Katie Couric Star Of Fundraising Luncheon For The East Hampton Emergency Department

On Thursday, July 13, iconic award-winning journalist, health advocate, philanthropist and East Hampton resident, Katie Couric captivated an audience of over 200 guests at the annual East Hampton Emergency Department fundraiser luncheon, held at the Maidstone Club.

“I have been advocating for access to quality, affordable healthcare for decades and I am delighted to support this new, much-needed facility which will undoubtedly save lives throughout the East End,” said Couric.

Chaired by East Hampton residents Hollis Forbes, Kate Davis, Jill Davis, Mary Margaret Trousdale, and Liz Lange, the event began with a Q & A with Couric, moderated by journalist and East Hampton resident Martha McCully. 

Guided expertly by McCully, Couric shared stories from the different stages of her life, from being a young female journalist in a media boys’ club to becoming a household name; to the tragedies of losing her husband and sister to cancer and becoming a health activist and multi-million dollar fundraiser; to raising her girls and finding love again. It was a fascinating, whistle-stop tour of an incredible career and personal life captured in her New York Times bestselling book, “Going There.” Copies of her memoir were available for sale with Couric happy to sign copies for guests.

Guests such as President Maurie McInnis of Stony Brook University, Sheila Rogers of the East Hampton Healthcare Foundation, philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, former Bloomingdale’s executive Anne Keating, philanthropist Veronica Atkins, and The Colony Hotel owner Sarah Wetenhall were in attendance. Banker and SoulCycle instructor Mireya D’Angelo enjoyed the event with her musician daughter Sophia D’Angelo, friend, and influencer, Clara Perlmutter.

Following the talk, a lunch was served and guests stayed on to enjoy the ocean views and to mingle with friends. Guests were also treated to gift bags containing Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose and products from Cindy Crawford’s Meaningful Beauty line, including the Youth Activating Melon Serum, Strengthening Shampoo, and Smooth & Shiny Conditioner.

The annual benefit raises money to support the new Stony Brook Medicine East Hampton Emergency Department currently in construction. Doors to the new facility are scheduled to open Fall 2024. This year’s luncheon, organized by the Southampton Hospital Foundation, was the most successful and highly attended one to date.

Ken Wright, Chair of the Southampton Hospital Association, commented, “We are so grateful to Katie Couric for contributing her time and resources to support our project. Katie is a media and healthcare pioneer and she continues to change the world for good. We are very lucky to have her as a neighbor and supporter.” 

The East Hampton Emergency Department will operate under the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system, which includes Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital.

To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu.