The sixth Annual “Hamptons Artists for Haiti Benefit” will be held at the Hayground School fields on Saturday, July 29, from 5:30 to 8 PM. The Honorary Chairs of this year’s event are Donna Karan, Eric Fischl and April Gornik
The bash will help the Wings Over Haiti foundation continue expanding its second school in Ranquitte, Haiti, which opened its doors three years ago. The school, the only one in the area, now educates over 100 students, and is on the way to enrolling 400. Proceeds from this benefit will go to building more classrooms and providing the kids with regular meals, which they may not have if not for the school.
The first school was built in 2010 in the capital of Port au Prince, after Haiti was ravaged by a terrible earthquake. Jonathan Glynn, a Sag Harbor pilot and artist, was one of the first private pilots to bring medical supplies to remote areas of Haiti. He founded the school, which now has over 250 students and is growing a grade every year. The students are fed and receive regular medical attention. “You have to feed the kids first. Only then you can feed their minds,” said Glynn.
Donna Karan added, “I am delighted to serve as one of the Honorary Chairs of the Wings Over Haiti Benefit Committee to help Wings Over Haiti grow their second school in Haiti. How can such a close neighbor of the United States continue to be the poorest contry in our hemisphere and in such constant turmoil? Haiti needs us all to help change that narrative. And I do believe the best way to do this is by educating Haiti’s children, the country’s future leaders. Please join us and help us help the kids.”
The Hamptons Artists For Haiti benefit will feature a silent art auction of works by over 60 East End artists, curated by Coco Myers of folioeast. The artwork includes paintings, photographs, ceramics, and sculptures.
Guests will be treated to an open bar, music by the Lynn Blue Band, hors d’oeuvres catered by Insatiable Eats, great raffle prizes, jewelry and global goods by Donna Karan’s Urban Zen, and more. There will be plenty of free parking available.
Tickets are $175 in advance, $195 at the door and are tax deductible. Children under 12 are free. This is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome. Tickets are available at wingsoverhaiti.net.