The Retreat’s All Against Abuse Gala Raises Over $1 Million For Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking

The Retreat’s annual All Against Abuse Gala drew more than 200 supporters, community leaders, and advocates to a sold-out evening on Saturday, June 6, at the Southampton Arts Center in Southampton Village, and the results were historic.

Together, attendees raised more than $1 million, the most in the gala’s history, to sustain The Retreat’s lifesaving services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking: a 24-hour multilingual hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, prevention education, and fatherhood training.

Guests arrived for cocktail hour, enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted cocktails by Art of Eating as they explored the galleries and gathered in Southampton Art Center’s newly renovated gardens. Retreat staff were on hand to speak about their programs and connect with guests, joined by young Pitch Your Peers Teen Leaders volunteers who modeled bespoke outfits from The Retreat Boutique.

This year’s gala paid tribute to a woman whose impact on The Retreat is immeasurable. The evening celebrated the enduring legacy of former Board President Gail Rothwell, a leader whose vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to survivors helped shape the organization into what it is today.

The program was led by Gala Committee Co-Chair and longtime Retreat champion Norma Cirincione, alongside Executive Director Cate Carbonaro, who emphasized the event’s theme, “Purpose and Possibility.”

“Our purpose is clear,” Carbonaro told the audience. “Create safety, healing and hope for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual abuse… But how do we talk about possibility right now? Because things are hard. For survivors across Long Island, the math doesn’t work. Rent is unaffordable. Gas is expensive. Childcare is out of reach. Leaving an abusive relationship has never been easy – but right now, for so many, it feels economically impossible.”

One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when guest speaker Michelle Taormina, a survivor who turned to The Retreat years ago in a moment of crisis, spoke.

“For nine months, The Retreat became our home. They gave us legal help to fight for custody. Therapy, food, clothing, childcare – even no-cost summer camp for the kids,” Michelle said. “They gave my children stability and dignity when our world felt like it was crumbling.”

The program also featured a short film by Toyshop Studio. This powerful 90-second reel traced The Retreat from its humble origins in East Hampton nearly 40 years ago to the expansive, life-changing operation it is today, serving survivors across Long Island.

The evening culminated in a spirited live auction led by auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla. Longtime Retreat supporter Bobbie Braun placed a bid for additional support from the Neuwirth Foundation. This gesture brought the crowd to its feet. When asked what inspired her to give, Braun quoted her father: “I did it because I can, and I did it for all who can’t.”