The fourth annual Hamptons Artists for Haiti Benefit for Wings Over Haiti will be held at East Hampton Airport on Saturday, August 7, from 5 to 8 PM. The honorary chair of this year’s event is Alec Baldwin and the honorary committee includes Donna Karan, Patricia Arquette, Eric Fischl, Maria Bello, Molly Channing, and Emily Wickersham.
The event will raise funds for the expansion of schools built in Haiti, headed by Sag Harbor artist and pilot Jonathan Glynn and his team. They plan to continue expanding their second school in Haiti, which earlier this year opened its doors to 51 students, and is on its way to serving 400 students. Proceeds from this benefit will go to building more classrooms, and give the kids of Ranquitte, Haiti, an education for which there is currently no access.
“I am delighted to serve as honorary chairperson of the Wings Over Haiti benefit committee to help Jonathan and his team build a second school in Haiti,” said Baldwin. “How can such a close neighbor of the mighty U.S. continue to be the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and in constant turmoil? Haiti needs us all to help and to change that narrative. And I do believe the best way to do this is by educating Haiti’s children, the country’s future leaders. So please join us for our 4th annual benefit bash on August 7 and help us build not simply a school but a human being.”
The first school was built by Wings Over Haiti in 2010, in the capital of Port au Prince, after Haiti was ravaged by a terrible earthquake. Glynn was one of the first private pilots to bring medical supplies to remote areas of Haiti. He and his team then built the first school, which now has over 200 students and is growing a grade every year. The students all get two meals a day and medical attention, which they wouldn’t get if not for the school.
“You have to feed the kids first. Only then you can feed their minds”, said Jonathan.
Fittingly, the Wings Over Haiti event will be held at the East Hampton Airport, spread over three airplane hangers. It will feature a silent art auction of works by over 30 East End artists, curated by Coco Myers of folioeast. The artwork includes paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
There will be an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes, CBD cocktails, and music by DJ Gian Carlo. Airplanes will also be on display.
Tickets are $175 in advance, $195 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Visit wingsoverhaiti.net.