The Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation welcomed hospital supporters to its annual Summer Soirée on Friday, August 14, at Peconic Bay Yacht Club. The evening celebrated the community’s longstanding commitment to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and honored ELIH Foundation Board Member Samy Sabil, of The North Fork Shack, for his leadership, generosity, and dedication to the hospital and the North Fork.
The Summer Soirée has become the Foundation’s most successful fundraising event. During the past six years, it has raised more than $1.2 million, generating more than $750,000 in net proceeds to support programs, technology and patient care at SBELIH.
“The success of the Summer Soirée reflects the extraordinary generosity of this community,” said Paul J. Connor III, Chief Administrative Officer of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. “Our guests, sponsors, donors, and volunteers understand how important it is to have exceptional healthcare close to home. Their continued support allows us to invest in the services and resources our patients and families need.”
Connor thanked Peconic Bay Yacht Club for hosting the Summer Soirée for the sixth consecutive year. He also recognized John Ingrilli, Eugene Burger and Jim Martin for their friendship, generosity, and commitment to the hospital.
“This evening would not be possible without the dedication of our Summer Soirée Gala Committee, Foundation Office, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and everyone who works behind the scenes,” Connor said. “It truly takes a team, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the evening so meaningful.”
During the program, Sabil was recognized for exemplifying the spirit of philanthropy and service that has helped strengthen both the hospital and the community it serves. An emotional Sabil expressed his gratitude for the honor and the support of those gathered for the celebration.
William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine, spoke about the distinctive relationship between SBELIH and the North Fork community, noting that local philanthropy has supported the hospital’s continued progress.
“The North Fork does more than support its hospital; it champions it,” Dr. Wertheim said. “The generosity, volunteerism, and pride that defines this community is truly extraordinary. That support has helped us expand access to specialized care through our Primary Stroke Center, strengthen behavioral health services and continue investing in technology and clinical programs that bring high-quality care closer to home.”
In 2026, SBELIH was officially recognized as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The hospital also earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Rural Stroke Bronze Achievement Award, recognizing its commitment to providing stroke care based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines.
Although SBELIH is part of Stony Brook Medicine, funds raised by the ELIH Foundation remain local and support the hospital’s specific needs and priorities. Contributions help fund clinical programs, advanced technology, facility improvements and other initiatives that directly benefit patients on the North Fork and Shelter Island.
“Every person who attends an event, volunteers, makes a gift or serves as an ambassador for the hospital plays a role in its continued success,” Dr. Wertheim said. “On behalf of Stony Brook Medicine, thank you for believing in Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and investing in its future.”