Summertime is here but only after having taken her sweet time totally skipping on Spring! We do enjoy each of the four seasons here but winter went on longer than we really like - SO jumping from last summer to this summer, let's get on with it already - shall we?!!? We left off with another summer in The Hamptons while heading into the festive holidays and a bright new year for those of us who stick around : ) but now we'll bring you People + Parties of the Summer 2019 season for a sneak peek at some terrific galas! Hopefully we've kept you entertained with our social pages right up till now + we'll be keeping you in tune with each season's crop of events with some mighty fine video bytes we grab here & there. We're kinda hoping you might spring for some tickets to these mega galas to help support some of these fine & dandy organizations! For new folks we have a handy list of restaurants & night clubs & lodging...so be sure to bookmark those pages for easy reference to all the best spots to eat, drink and relax...and for a nightcap & dancing we have a nightlife page. Follow us on twitter if you like regular updates...@hamptonsmedia Firefox, RootOrange, Razorfish, AmericanExpress, TheNextWeb, textPlus, TheUnionCares, TheOprahShow, TMZ, PRNewswire, WarnerBrosEnt, SonyPictures, CNNiReport, Piper_Heidsieck, Harpers, BSmithStyle, PasteMagazine, CrainsNewYork, LeOficial, NWF, Collective_Soul, DyansCandyBar, BaumeMercier, Veuve_Clicquot, TOMSshoes, ChrisLawford, PatrickMcMullen, SamanthaYanks, R. Couri Hay, Alex McCord, PaulWilmotComm, the NewYorkPost, Newsday, OK_Magazine, ZagatBuzz, WeAreFamilyFdtn, drinkArizona, ChuckSchumer, TheMotleyFool, NASATweetup, GuyKawasaki, Kelsey_Grammer, Sothebys, MasterCard, @AmericanAir, AlinaChoCNN & even a few blogs like Guest of a Guest, Hamptons, PlumHamptons, Variety, MuseumofCityNY, Hollywood.com, etnow & PageSix ARE - just to name a few : ) For LARGER size viewing check out our video index pages in the bigger flash player w/a nice xml playlist...and if you're new to us here's a preview of some of the upcoming annual events from last season on TheHamptons.com's SUMMERTIME party page...good news for you loyal Apples we are building an index for ipad & iphone for ya : ) bookmark this page too so you can keep up with all the best events in The Hamptons! Come on back for a look at what we get for where to go or do a little party gazing!! Our video index has Xploded into five p a g e s of videos featuring a library of summer parties in The Hamptons so do preview our previous party pages...and if you need to get the most current Adobe flash player to play these videos, it's free and fast to install!! We encourage you to use Google Chrome as a desktop browser but IE/Microsoft Edge has rendered it just as fine these days as does Safari - either are a snap to download...it makes everything look just right + still support flash - just enable it! Check out all the famous CELEBRITIES who said "Hi! to TheHamptons.com" for some 75+ awesome celebrity endorsements : ) #heckyeah

Kicking off Memorial Day Weekend The Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons hosted their popular ARF Designer Showhouse + Sale with a cocktail party at the ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop in Sagaponack. This year the weather cooperated once again and it was the perfect, golden evening for an indoor/outdoor event. They had the adoption truck front and center prominently showcasing the pets up for adoption plus volunteers walked throughout the crowd mingling with guests inviting engagement and spontaneous adoption : ) Honorary Chair was Mary McDonald and Co-Chairs were Gordon Hoppe, Alex Papachristidis + Marshall Watson. After we caught up with the new director for an impromptu interview, we were given another one with Architect and Designer Brian Brady. Along with Brian some other familiar faces there were Chris and Becky Gaynor and Greg Delia. Showhouse Designers included Blue Carreon, Jack Deamer, JED Design, Richard Mishaan, Barbara Ostrom, Melanie Roy Design, Tom Samet and Nathan Wold, Hamptons House Design LLC, Kim Seybert, Thayer's Hardware & Patio. The top interior decorators again magically transformed the shop into a designer showhouse, using furnishings from the shop and from their own collections. EVERYTHING was for sale! Between sips of chilled wine and munching on vegetarinan hors d'oeuvres and shopping, it all made for a terrific party in honor of a great cause. The 2nd Annual Salon on the Lawn at Longhouse Reserve in East Hampton, the 2nd Annual Dan's Rose Soiree at Southampton Arts Center on Jobs Lane in Southampton, the 3rd Annual Wine + Roses Gala to benefit Southampton Cultural Center held at The Muses, the 9th Annual Southampton House Tour "Insider's View" followed by a champagne reception catered by Sant Ambroeus restaurant and the 26th Decorators-Designers-Dealers Sale, Auctions and Cocktail Party Gala for The Fresh Air Home kept the village of Southampton HOPPING week to week!! Even before the summer solstice came into season, OUR high season had already begun : ) It always feels like we skip Spring and head right smack into Summer full force. Again, there's always so much going on between simple family life, private parties and big benefit galas, it takes a special strategy to accomplish our goals - but we shoot for the moon! The Retreat held its 23rd Annual *All Against Abuse* Summer Benefit Gala honoring Joy Behar - Co-Host of ABC News's "The View" + Robin Hommel-Tenenbaum - Emmy Award-winning Producer. Leslie Morgan Steiner - Author and National Advocate was also a highlight. The John Ludlow Duo featuring Steve Nelson played music for guests during the cocktail hour. Art of Eating catered the entire event so you KNOW it was great! After dinner everyone got up to dance to music by East End Entertainment who got the place on its feet. The Auctioneer, CK Swett, encouraged bidding enthusiastically for the live auction portion but guests had a chance at some great items including Artists Against Abuse thoughtfully designed plates. A BIG hit was the photo booth as evidenced in some of our photos! Honorary Committee included Maria Bacardi, Joy Behar, Lorraine Bracco, Lisa Fontes, PhD, Kiran Gandhi, Kelsey Grammer, Bonnie Grice, Mariska Hargitay, Ann Liguori, James Lipton, Don McPherson, Kaitlin Olsen, Faith Popcorn, Mercedes Ruehl, Gloria Steinem, Leslie Morgan Steiner and Beth Ostrosky Stern.

It was on to Swing into Summer at The Bridge! Group for the East End's big gala benefit. Held AT The Bridge Golf Club on Millstone Road in Bridgehampton - a super cool renovation of the old Bridgehampton Race Track from back in the 1970's - it sits on 300 acres and has a course designed by Rees Jones and boasts THE MOST AMAZING 360 degree view of Peconic Bay. A modern clubhouse by architect Roger Ferris exhibits some extraordinary art as well. As the sun faded, guests were treated to a scrumptious dinner prepared by The Bridge under a beautifully appointed tent. LIVE music was provided by Steel Impressions both during the cocktail hour and after dinner for dancing under the glittering stars! Robert Deluca along with the director and some of the committee members took to the microphone once again emphasizing the necessity to continue moving forward with environmental goals. It's a non-stop challenge to keep our east end of Long Island clean, safe and beautiful and we all need to do our share and spread the word. Taking turns with the auctioneer for live bidding, the evening's success was every bit impressive as previous seasons. Jean and Martin Shafiroff hosted a cocktail reception to kick off Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's 60th Annual Summer Party. Summer Party Honorees John Catsimatidis and Bruce Mosler, Junior Chair Caitlin Diebold O'Connell, and Hospital team Robert Chaloner, Chief Administrative Officer, Steve Bernstein, Chief Development Officer, and Ken Wright, Chairman of Southampton Hospital Association, helped greet friends and supporters including U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Greg Kelly and his wife Judith Grey, and Southampton Village Mayor Michael Irving and his wife Ellen Irving. Jean Shafiroff is known for her leadership in raising money for Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. In 2010, 2011 and 2013 she served as the Summer Party Event Chair, which collectively raised more than five million dollars. Midway through the celebration Jean described how passionate she is about the Hospital. She introduced Ken Wright who spoke before Bob Chaloner and finally Dr. Darin Wiggins. The celebration was held at the new Southampton waterfront home of the Shafiroffs. Guests included last year's Summer Party honorees Marigay McKee and Bill Ford, Lady Liliana and Lord William Cavendish, Melanie and John Wambold, Missy Hargrove, Randi Schatz, Laura and Jim Freidman, Byron Wien, Dr. William Gibbs, and Dr. Apostolos Tassiopoulos and his wife Yianna Tassiopoulos, Jane Scher and Dr. Gary Rombough, and Barbara and Richard Solomon mingled and enjoyed canapes while listening to music performed by Alex Donner. The 60th Annual Summer Party will take place in August so be sure to look at our social calendar to get all the details for tickets!

Still going strong! The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of The Hamptons celebrated their 12th Annual GET WILD! Summer Gala at Joan and Bernard Carl's Little Orchard Garden on Coopers Neck Lane in Southampton. The event honored Jay Schneiderman, Southampton Town Supervisor and Susan McGraw Keber, East Hampton Town Trustee, and welcomed distinguished guests to celebrate the united efforts to rehabilitate animals and successfully release them back into the wild across Long Island. The picturesque garden featured live swans in the neighboring Coopers Neck Pond while guests enjoyed The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center rehabilitated birds including; Meep the Great Horned Owl, the Red Tail Hawks Cloud and Sonia, the Eastern Screech Owls Archimedes, and Athena and the Peregrine Falcon named Millennium. Live music from Ludmilla Brazil, along with cocktails and light vegetarian fare were also enjoyed by the evening's attendees. Notable guests seen enjoying the soiree were Virginia Frati, Shelley Berkoski, Joan and Bernard Carl, Jay Schneiderman, Susan McGraw Keber, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Hilary Geary, Nicky Hilton, Don Lemon, Ellen and Chuck Scarborough, Henry Buhl, Leslie Alexander, Laura Carlock, Linda and Benjamin Lambert, Beth Stern, Lynn Scotti, Claudia and Billy Walters, Curtis Sliwa, Nancy Regula, Mai Hallingby Denise Cuccia, Howard Lorber, Susan Bordeaux, Kenneth and Maria Fishel, Tom Samet, Liz Deneny, Jay Flagg, Carol Nobbs, Liz Deneny, Susan Tighe, John Broderick, Dorothy Frankel, Missy Hargraves, Susanne Tighe, John Broderick, Carol Nobbs, Dorothy Frankel. Benefit Co-Chairs were Hilaria And Alec Baldwin, Alexandra And Peter Campbell, Joan And Bernard Carl, Kim Cattral, Brigid Fitzgerald And Michael Katz, Nancy Juvonen And Jimmy Fallon, Linda And Ben Lambert and Beth Stern. The Benefit Committee included Sean Denneny, Ingrid Edelman, Dorothy Frankel, Pat Garrity, Jane Gill, Missy Hargraves, Margot Rowan Horn, Aleksandra Kardwell, Norah Lawlor, Maryann Marston, Hope Marxe, Jill Rappaport, Renee Schlather, Kathy Walsh. Then it was on to the 22nd Annual Hamptons Heart Ball held at Southampton Arts Center right on Jobs Lane in the heart of Southampton spilling out into a gorgeous tent around an old tree with the nautical theme carried throughout from table to handsome waistaff wearing sailor hats. Red was of course the other primary color signifying it was The American Heart Association's big gala in The Hamptons to raise both awareness and funds. Chairing the special event were Jean Shafiroff, Philanthropist + Author & Chuck Simonton, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Divisional Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, Abbott. Honorees were Audrey & Martin Gruss and Dr. Apostolos K. Tassiopoulos. The Hamptons Heart Ball is a fun and elegant event focused on raising funds for the mission of the American Heart Association. Friends and colleagues from NYC, Long Island and The Hamptons enjoy the beautiful setting of The Hamptons while eating delicious heart healthy foods, drinking delightful local wines and having fun with the music and dancing. The evening featured live music by That 70's Band, cocktail hour, a seated dinner catered by Elegant Affairs as well as a live & silent auction will also highlight the night. New this year was Crash the Ball After Party!! Entertaining the guests was Master of Ceremonies Greg Kelly. Also, in attendance was Bob Chaloner, NY Congresswoman Rebecca Seawright, Meredith Cohen, Dottie Herman, Lauren Witkoff, Dr. Jeff Moses, Robert Zimmerman, Dr. Larry Chinitz, John & Terry Tortorella, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, Maria and Ken Fishel, Missy Hargraves, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Anka Palitz, Larry Kaiser, Mayor Michael Irving and wife Ellen, Lauren and Bob Roberts, Lilliana Cavendish, Pamela O'Connor and John and Margo Catsimatidis. Attended by 400 people raising over $700,000 to benefit the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, the gala was an enormous success to say the least.

Once again East End Hospice's Summer Gala *Under the Palms* was held at The Jeffery's waterfront property on Second Neck Lane in Quogue. Even though the heat index this week has been rather unbearable, by the water - it was wonderful. Bay breezes and forever views made for the perfect backdrop for the bar, the enormous tent and the casino tent. It was a relay of golf carts to get there and back but worth the ride and great parking attendants making it easy. The Honorary Chairperson was Priscilla A. Ruffin, RN, MS, NPP, President & CEO and Master of Ceremonies was Lucas Hunt. The 19th Annual Dorothy Pell Savage Good Samaritan Award was presented to the East Quogue, Eastport, Quogue and Westhampton Beach Fire Departments who were in dress uniform and there with family and friends. A classic old hose fire truck from Westhampton was on display greeting guests as they arrived to check in. It was a fabulous evening that started with cocktails and yummy hors d'oeuvres, silent auction and casino games followed by dinner and dancing and MORE casino games! This month of June has been phenomenal across the board! Happily we were invited by Purist magazine to join them at *Detox Your Mindset* with Keren Eldad at The Maidstone Hotel which was SO refreshing...so much so we'd be inclined to book an appointment with her every week ; ) So nice to walk away feeling empowered and just good from the inside out. Another cool gig by Purist was their First Annual Purist Food Festival at the old Sag Harbor Watchcase Factory penthouse but included four or five townhouses on Church & Sage streets. We started at the top and worked our way down and around the block - townhouse by townhouse - finding farm fresh cuisine and cocktails and champagne from the likes of Elaia Estiatorio, Dopo La Spiaggia, Page at 63 Main, Calissa, Serafina, Neuman's Kitchen, Suki Zuki, Casa Dragones, Fleurs de Prairie, Juice Press and loads of others! Everything from sushi to chocolate and champagne so yes, a very nice party. Purist had a pop-up sale of cool merchandise to benefit The Retreat so also for a good cause. Tesla had cars on hand to chauffer us there and back. It was a perfect perch to see the sunset over the village and the harbor. After that, it was off to A BEACH BBQ with friends at the bay!! Oh yeah, SUMMER'S HERE : ) So much more happening all around - the 10th Annual SummerDocs Series Kick-Off was hosted by Series Presenter + HIFF Co-Chairman Alec Baldwin and featured ROBIN WILLIAMS: COME INSIDE MY MIND at The John Drew Theater in the Dina Merrill Pavilion at Guild Hall. Since July 4th landed midweek, The Southampton Fresh Air Home opted to kick off the Fourth of July weekend early with their 31st Annual American Picnic culminating with a Grucci fireworks show!! Held on Meadow Lane in Southampton allowed A LOT of boaters to pull up in the bay and take part in the fun TOO : )

Since the actual 4th of July holiday landed squarely midweek on a Wednesday it divided celebrations into a bit of both the weekend before and the weekend after! The 8th Annual Art Market VIP Preview Party to benefit Parrish Art Museum kicked off July at The Bridgehampton Historical Society Museum right on Main Street at the museum right across from Candy Kitchen. VIP Pass holders were treated to a preview cocktail party for Market Art + Design. Recognized as the east end's premier modern and contemporary art fair, the expo showcased top tier art presented by the country's best galleries pulling from over 70 dealers and designers from around the world. Moving along to Sag Harbor, Bay Street Theatre held its 27th Annual Summer GALA Benefit on The Long Wharf for the last time until lengthy renovations are completed! Honorees of the evening were Erik Batt & Danny Marsili + Luigi Caiola & Sean McGill. It's a longish event that starts off with a VIP cocktail reception followed up by the Awards Presentation and Performance at the actual theater which is a not-for-profit 299-seat professional regional theater...hence, the glamorous annual fundraiser! The guests were then escorted over to the giant tent covering just about the entire wharf where MORE cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were passed around both inside and around the tent dockside. Dinner and dancing and the live auction followed - raising a grand sum which we'll give you the details on once they're tallied up. Past celebrities have included Julie Andrews, Alec Baldwin, Jason Alexander, Alan Alda, Nathan Lane, Billy Joelf. Following the show, attendees passed through a red carpet photo op and enter a 250ft tent on the Long Wharf with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a fabulous auction full of exciting travel packages, Broadway tickets, tours + more! The East Hampton Historical Society, the new stewards of the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio, hosted an Opening Celebration to benefit the Moran Studio Exhibition, a collaborative effort that has brought the "World of Moran" to life. A lovely, old fashioned garden party brought together friends of the historical society and art lovers alike. A tent out on the lawn along with an open bar allowed for everyone to mingle before the speech marking this long awaited occasion! Live music on the porch welcomed guests warmly as they entered the old Moran Studio to see the special preview exhibition. Located on East Hampton's Main Street Historic District, this charming turreted Queen Anne shingled piece of Victorian architectural is a local gem that also has the honor of being registered as a National Historic Landmark so we encourage you to pay a visit because it's a very cool piece of the orginal local art scene. Created in 1884, across from swan-filled Town Pond, this house, its garden and contents opened the eyes of visitors into the world of one of America's power art couples: Thomas Moran, known for his awe-inspiring Western landscapes, which were pivotal in the founding of the National Parks, and his wife, Mary Nimmo Moran, an internationally known etcher, innovator and master of the medium. The Moran Studio is widely recognized as one of the first stand-alone artist's studios built on the East End of Long Island. Through a meticulous five-year restoration project, the Moran Studio has been salvaged from dilapidation, and is proud to open its doors to the public so come experience the Inaugural Studio Exhibition and the World of Moran!

Over in Bridgehampton The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center is gaining awareness quickly with some of the strongest support our community has to offer with big names and deep pockets. It was SOFO's 29th Annual Summer Gala EXPLORE * DISCOVER * CELEBRATE and this year honored Courtney Ross, Don Church and Russell Mittermeier. Event Chairs were Anke + Jurgen Friedrich and Susan + David Rockefeller and Guest Auctioneers were Gerry Curatola + Ann Liguori. There was a pre-event VIP cocktail reception with special tasting menu by leading chefs + eateries - we'll fess up right now we sort of got stuck by the tuna tartar + avocado appetizer booth by East Hampton Grille ; ) The backyard open bar was centered in the middle of the tasting stations making it easy to go around and around. After the cocktail hour, guests moved into the tent for speeches, a grand buffet dinner, live and silent auction and plenty of dancing to the music of local lengend Nancy Atlas & The Nancy Atlas Project Band which continued on throughout the night. This year it was set up really well so you could easily get between the VIP portion and the main tent via the Silent Auction tent and get in and out of the museum itself too from any angle. Just around the corner, philanthropist family Kenneth and Maria Fishel, accompanied by their children Melissa and Bradley hosted the Hamptons Happening at their 15-acre Bridgehampton residence for the fourth successive year. The 14th Annual Hamptons Happening celebrated the achievements and charitable contributions benefitting the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) and was hosted by CBS 2 co-anchor Chris Wragge who helped honor leading industry visionaries including: Chef Honoree Matt Lambert, Executive Chef & Co-owner of The Musket Room and Michelin Star Recipient; Fashion Honoree Ramy Brook Sharp, Founder & Creative Director of Ramy Brook; and Business Honoree Joe Farrell, Founder & President of Farrell Building Company. Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Chris and Sarah Wragge, Kenneth and Maria Fishel, Chef Matt Lambert, Ramy Brook Sharp, Robert Sharp, Joe Farrell, Michael Nierenberg, Elin Nierenberg, Laurie L. Schaffran, James E. Frankel, Jill Frankel, Lewis and Wendy Rubin, Wendy Rubin, Howard Shlafmitz, Natali Yura, Marc Taub, Sheriff and The Deputy, Marc Leder, Brian Waterman, Debby Hymowitz, Rique Uresti, William T. Sullivan, Robin Lathrop, Jesse Dean, Rachel Kramer, Karen Amster-Young, Benjamin Young, Erica Fineberg, Chris Arlotta, Barbara Lambert, Jessica Mackin, Jake Taub, Marc Taub, Duncan Shiek, Andrea Fornarola, Ian Duke, Scott Kampf, Jean Shafiroff, Ricky and Dianna Passarelli. The Hamptons Happening drew more than 300 distinguished guests in celebration of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation's international efforts to cure cancer. Guests indulged their appetites for the savory and the sweet, mixed and mingled, bid on exciting live and silent auction items and danced to world renowned bluegrass band Sheriff and The Deputy all the while collaborating to fund the quest for a cure for cancer. Sheriff Bob of Goodtimes and Deputy Kat Minogue treated guests to a bluegrass and country music jam playing the feel-good sounds of authentic country music. In high spirits, Dr. Waxman took part in the good times on stage as guests sung along during the one-of-a-kind performance.

A cocktail party hosted by Audrey Gruss to kick off the upcoming Hope for Depression Research Foundation's (HDRF) Third Annual Walk of Hope + 5K Run to Defeat Depression which will take in Southampton. Held at The Hamptons' home of Audrey and her husband Martin Gruss, the party was attended by more than 100 guests including Liliana Cavendish, Ann Grimm, Carole and Fred Guest, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Mayor Michael Irving and his wife Ellen, Cameron and Ann MacRae, Patty Raynes, Tiffany Dubin, Scott Snyder, Bettina Zilkha, Sophocles and Silvia Zoullas, Tatiana and Campion Platt, Marigay McKee, Anna Rothschild, Yaz and Valentin Hernandez, Roy Cohen and Arthur Dunnam, and more. Southampton Village has drawn support from Over thirty local business owners -including Michael Kors, Collette's Basement, CVS and the Southampton Chamber of Commerce - which will all place a two-foot wide yellow statement balloon by their front doors to symbolize hope and their commitment to raising depression and mental health awareness. The Week of Hope is a village-wide response to the tragic suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade, as well as local Sag Harbor resident and publicist Jeanine Pepler. The Walk of Hope will end with the Walk of HOPE on Sunday August 5th. Walk Grand Marshals Audrey Gruss and Mayor Michael Irving will lead participants on a beautiful route around Lake Agawam, beginning at 9am. Participants come from all over the tri-state area and beyond to unite as a community and raise awareness in the fight to defeat depression. 100% of proceeds from the Walk will fund groundbreaking research into the root causes of depression in the brain and new and better treatments. Christie Brinkley hosted the 7th Annual St. Barth Hamptons Gala, presented by Social Life magazine. The *sparkling event* took place at the Bridgehampton Historical Museum, and a portion of the proceeds benefitted the museum.   The global icon and cover star arrived just before the heavens opened and happily posed for pictures with Social Life Editor-in- Chief Devorah Rose and Dr. Martin Fox while also posing for some fun shots with her luxury Prosecco brand, Bellisima and their mini sipper spouts perfect for summertime imbibing.   Over 750 guests enjoyed gathered for the event and sipped on Christie's organic Prosecco, Bellissima as well as Bellisima Spritzers, Out East Rose, and hors d'oeuvres provided by Carlyle Caterers. Revelers danced the night away to the upbeat sounds of DJ Lee Kalt, and perused and bid on the exciting items in the Go Charity silent auction.   The iconic supermodels July cover shoot channels the sirens versatility and ease with the camera as she poses in a variety of swimwear and elegant cocktail attire. Christie's close relationship with Social Life Magazine started six years ago when Editor in Chief Devorah Rose featured Christie Brinkley in a bikini, for the first time in 30 years for any magazine. In this feature article Christie discusses her life, loves and family including a cherished memory of her daughter Alexa Ray as a baby being placed on the grand piano so her father's Billy Joel music could reverberate through her body. Social Life Magazine is a premier luxury publication for The Hamptons covering the luxury lifestyle on local, national and international levels of high-net worth and high-income individuals who summer on the east end of Long Island.

A gifted assemblage of dancers gave their time and miraculous talents in support of Dancers For Good to raise funds for the vital services of the evening's beneficiary, The Actors Fund. Members from Amy Marshall Dance Company, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Eryc Taylor Dance, Martha Graham Dance Company, Pam Tanowitz Dance, Paul Taylor Dance Company and special guest stars Adrienne Canterna and tap dancer Luke Hawkins transported an audience of over 350 people by the mesmerizing and awe-inspiring capacity of the human body to express itself through the marvelous wonder of movement through dance. Notable attendees included: Chita Rivera, Michael Apuzzo, Eric Gunhus, Bebe Neuwirth, Luke Hawkins, Stephanie Pope, Howard Williams, Lloyd Culbreath, Cristina Cuomo, Andrea Greeven Douzet, Raul Ruiz, Nancy Vaden, Steve Ram, Amy Marshal, Eryc Taylor, Michel Wallerstein, Pam Tanowitz, Victor Lozano, Patricia Delgado, Jason Collins, Madelyn Ho, Christina Lynch Markham. Between performances, Dancers For Good co-founders and co-producers Eric Gunhus and Michael Apuzzo, with the evening's host Stephanie Pope, a renowned Broadway actor and dancer, paid tribute to Chita Rivera and Bebe Neuwirth, two iconic legends of dance.Through their talent demonstrated via luminous careers, and also as vigorous champions of dancers, Ms. Rivera and Ms. Neuwirth embody what it means to be a Dancer For Good. Ms. Rivera was honored with the first annual Lifetime Achievement in Dance Award and Ms. Neuwirth was the recipient of the inaugural Dance Humanitarian Award for her tireless advocacy on behalf of dancers, which is exemplified by her founding of The Dancers' Resource within The Actors Fund. Following the performance, guests such as interior designers Bernt Heiberg and Bill Cummings, Cristina Cuomo, Darren Starr, David Nickle, Hal Rubenstein, Joe Lupo, architect Russell Groves, President of HBO Simon Sutton, six-time Emmy-winning Nancy Vaden, celebrity facialist Thuyen Nguyen and The Actors Fund's Barbara Davis enjoyed chilled Fleurs de Prairie rose, HINT water and deliciou hors d'oeuvres at a cocktail reception under the stars at Guild Hall in East Hampton. The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation held its Ninth Annual Unconditional Love Gala at Sandra McConnell's lovely waterfront home in Southampton. The Foundation's Board of Directors led by Board Co-Presidents Clifton Knight and Beau Hulse hosted this year's event. Gregory D'Elia served as Gala Chairman and Katie McEntee, who is the Shelters Director of Adoptions, served as Junior Chair. Jean Shafiroff, who is Ambassador at Large for the Foundation, served as Honorary Chair. The event's corporate chairs included Allen & Company, Barbara and Robert Liberman and Stifel. However the thirty shelter pets specially groomed for the evening and looking beautiful took special honors as they were deemed "Event Honorees" - wandering about the gala in true diva fashion : ) Mr. D'Elia and his family have been dedicated supporters since the Shelter's inception. His sense of community history, and perspective on events and community happenings, put him in a unique position in setting the vision for this year's gala. More than 300 guests joined the Shelter for the evening including: Greg Kelly and his wife Judith Grey, Margo and John Catsimatidis, Southampton Village Mayor Michael Irving and his wife Ellen, State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Missy Hargraves, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Howard Lorber, Leslie Alexander, Deborah Hearst, Rosalie Brinton, John Bradham, Sean and Elizabeth Deneny, Wendy Wegner and Jeff Sinaw, Fr. Constantine Lazarakis, Ken and Crystal Meszkat, Henry and Barbara Gooss, Orest and Tish Bliss, Dorothy Frankel, Phyllis and Jeff Cole, and Robert Lohman. The "Junior" contingent for the evening, with nearly 50 attending, was tremendous and contributed to the energy, vibrant spirit and excitement of the evening. Juniors included Merritt Piro, Charles McConnell, Christina McConnell, Kelly Deneny, Jenny Dwork, Sarah Vacchiano and Marcy Callahan. The Chris Norton Band was fabulous, providing music for the evening. Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs treated guests to a wonderful dinner. All of the proceeds from the Gala go directly to supporting the Southampton Animal Shelter and the services that make their great work possible.

It was truly an enchanted evening for The Ellen Hermanson Foundation at their gala event hosted at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. The totally SOLD OUT fundraiser was an enormous success, raising much needed funds for The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and its satellite locations in Hampton Bays and East Hampton; Ellen's Well, a free psycho-social support program for breast cancer patients; and The Phillips Family Cancer Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, along with its Board of Directors and Host Committee were thrilled to honor Jodi Wasserman, member of the Board of Directors of Lucia's Angels, and the Coalition for Women's Cancers at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, and a breast cancer survivor. Julie Ratner, President of the Board of Directors of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, and Susie Roden, Patient Navigator at The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center, presented her with a heartwarming introduction and a beautiful hand sculptured glass vase. Jodi Wasserman spoke eloquently and honestly about her personal life journey and breast cancer. "The most special part of the night was being able to inspire others to get involved and give," said Ms. Wasserman. Gala Chair Jean Shafiroff said, "Long Island has among the highest incidence of breast cancer in United States. It is an honor to Chair The Ellen Hermanson Foundation's Gala. The Foundation's focus on breast health is absolutely wonderful - and very much needed in the community. Julie Ratner serves as a wonderful leader of the organization! Alex Voz, the featured illusionist and mentalist, was magical and left the room speechless and impressed. The evening ended perfectly with celebration and dancing with DJ double S Productions and Mirror Photobooth NYC. Over in Bridgehampton, ten chefs prepared a five-course meal in honor of famed chef of chefs, Jacques Pepin, at the 14th Annual Hayground School's benefit "Chefs Dinner" on the school grounds. The benefit dinner raised much-needed financial aid for Hayground School, an inclusive, diverse school that incorporates an expansive Edible Garden/Kitchen Science program into its curriculum on its pastoral grounds. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were the honorary chairpersons of the Chefs Dinner. The evening began with cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres this year served under the tent and prepared in Hayground'sJeff's Kitchen. A five-course dinner with superb wines followed - arguably the finest meal of the summer. During the meal for the first time the guests were presented with a live conversation between chefs Jacques Pepin and Eric Ripert. In keeping with the intimate nature of the event, limited to just 200 guests, patrons purchased seating at three chef's tables, to dine with honoree Chef Pepin, or past honorees Chef Tom Colicchio or Chef Eric Ripert. Since the chefs were not actually cooking, it meant those at their tables enjoyed their company thoroughly alongside the five-course tasting menu by the legendary chefs. To honor Chef Pepin, this year's five-star chefs include: Josh Capon of Lure Fishbar, Jessica Craig of L'Artusi, Christian Mir of Stone Creek Inn, Ayesha Nurdjaja of Shuka, François Payard, Joe Realmuto of Nick & Ton's, Hillary Sterling of Vi's, Bill Telepan of Oceana, and Carissa Waechter of Carissa's The Bakery and Jason Weiner of Almond. Cheeses from fromager Michael Cavaniola and wine from Chateau d'Esclans round out the tasting menu. Chefs Dinner Committee: Toni Ross (Chair Emeritus), Almond Zigmund (Co-Chair), Elaine DiGiacomo (Co-Chair); Grainne Coen, Cindi Crain, Erica Lynn Huberty, Scott O'Neil, Christian Troy, and Craig Wood. Funds from the Hayground Chefs Dinner to date have raised almost two million dollars in support of Hayground's Jeff's Kitchen culinary programs, as well as its overall curriculum. This enables the school to be readily accessible to the diverse spectrum of East End children, where currently, over 80% of all Hayground students receive some form of financial assistance. Hayground Founders Elizabeth Bertsch, Arjun Achuthan, Perry Burns, Kathy Engel, Susan Engel, Kathy Faraone, Nicole Feret, Anna Gerschman, David Gruber, Elizabeth Thunderbird Haile, Sarah Stahl Jaffe, Gordon J. Klopf, Marcelle Langendal, Susan Ringo, Toni Ross, Jeff Salaway, Roy Scheider, Brenda Siemer, Jonathan Snow, Lisa Stamm, Tinka Topping, Lauryn R. Williams, Terrie Wilson,andRichard Wingfield. Previous Hayground honorees include Eric Ripert, Tom Colicchio, Lori Silverbush, Jonathan Waxman, Toni Ross, Tinka Topping, and Bill Telepan.

This year's Veterinarians International (VI) fundraising gala Wild at Heart welcomed over 220 luminaries and philanthropists and was a record year for the organization - almost doubling the amount raising over $200,000! Held at Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club beautifully transformed with a theme in tune with the VI's passionate animal rights cause, legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle presented author and ecologist Dr. Carl Safina the VI Presidential Award for his innovative theories exploring the relationship between humans and animals. Jessica Hollander and Sacha Lehto were the gala co-chairs while VI Ambassador and animal advocate Christine Evangelista served as Master of Ceremonies. Christie Brinkley hosted the oceanfront cocktail reception followed by a sustainably produced, locally-sourced meal. DJ Alexandra Richards, and Jay Schneiderman and Friends wowed the crowd during a luxe beach bonfire and dance party featuring top-rated whiskey and cigars. Toy Story creator Alec Sokolow donated a one of a kind mise-en-scene experience at his Sagaponack home. Fine artists Paul Gerben, Paul Christopher, the Sophisticated Psychos and Steve Miller donated highly sought-after works. The prized auction item of the evening, garnering $20,000, was a trip to visit VI's Thailand elephant project with Founder Dr. Scarlett Magda. Individual attendees also passionately bid to fund VI's program needs including orphaned chimpanzee veterinary care in Liberia, elephant care in Surin, Thailand, goat breeding programs empowering impoverished women in Haiti and Kenya as well as rabies prevention in Kenya. As VI Founding President Dr. Scarlett Magda explained, she said "International animal care is vital right now given the impact humans are having on the planet. Over 60% of human disease comes from animals. Raising society's consciousness to prioritize animal health and welfare is integral to our survival." Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's 60th Annual Summer Party "Diamond Jubilee" attracted 700 guests and raised approximately $1.5-million to benefit the Jenny + John Paulson Emergency Department. Held under three tents on Wickapogue Road in Southampton, New York, the event honored the Catsimatidis Family - Margo, John, Andrea and John Jr. - and the Mosler Family - Wendy, Bruce, Charlotte and David - as role models for philanthropy, service, and commitment to the underserved. The evening's hosts were Howard M. Lorber, Chairman, Southampton Hospital Foundation, and Kenneth B. Wright, Chairman, Southampton Hospital Association. They were joined by Robert Chaloner, Chief Administrative Officer, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, and Steve Bernstein, President, Southampton Hospital Foundation, in welcoming guests. Emcee Chuck Scarborough noted the evening's success was due to the efforts of the event's Chairs and Committee including NancyJane Loewy, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Caitlyn Diebold O'Connell, Michael Lorber, and Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Attendees included: Ernest Baptiste, RitaCosby, Cristina Cuomo, Marianneand MarkEpley, Somers Farkas, Ann Grimm, Herman, Father Alex and Mrs. Xanthi Karloutsos, Jean Remmel Little, Margo Nederlander, Reuven Pasternak, Jenny and John Paulson, Julie Ratner, Alex Roepers, Dr. Samuel Ryu and Mrs. Yoonn Ryu, Ellen Scarborough, Sammi and Scott Seltzer, Melanie and John Wambold, Cindy and Ladd Willis, among others. Lawrence Scott Events curated the dinner and decor and Groove Society provide the music that got everyone on their feet! Always plenty to do in heat of the season! Between private parties and a blend of amazing summer galas that are an endless string of wonderful and worthy benefits, there's so much for everyone to choose from to plunk down some much needed money for one that grabs YOUR heart! Montauk Playhouse held their gala to kick off construction on the long-anticipated Cultural Arts and Aquatic Centers at the Playhouse, Dan's Papers was also in Montauk hosting their Inaugural "MonTaco" which backs up their GrillHampton + Taste of The Hamptons culinary expos! Food tastings reign as a favorite theme at many a party out here - Chefs + Champagne, the Waxman party, Summerfest are a just a smattering of the competition for taste buds and pocketbooks : ) Harvest East End is another terrific celebration

Ahighly anticipated benefit by those "in the know" is the Peconic Baykeeper's cocktail gala hosting its annual "Cocktails to Celebrate the Bays" and honored Kim White for her dedication to keeping our waters drinkable, swimmable, and fishable. Hosted at an impeccable Southampton estate, the event gathered close to 200 guests who enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres by 230 Elm Productions and music by Robin Sidor. Peconic Baykeeper is a 501 (C)(3) Not-For-Profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Long Island's waters. Established in 1998 as Long Island's clean water advocate, Peconic Baykeeper uses science, education and law to defend critical watersheds from the Peconic Estuary through the South Shore Bays. Sean O'Neill, OUR baykeeper has been doing a standup job so we'd like to thank him on behalf of all the locals who use the bodies of water he's devoted himself to saving for the future. Avery and Gigi Mortimer were kind enough to host a terrific group of conscientious "water warriors" which included the Greevens, Lisa Crawford, Noel and Debby Hare, Town Trustee Anne Welker, Greg D'Elia and lots of others who joined the Board of Peconic Baykeepers for this beautiful, rolling lawn that sits waterfront along Cooper's Neck. On Saturday, the Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons (ARF) hosted their annual Bow Wow Meow Ball to honor event designer David Monn with the Champion of Animals Award, in recognition of his dedication and service to animal welfare through his work. Rain did *not deter any guests from attending the much anticipated summer affair!! The evening's celebration of ARF's life-saving work took place on ARF's 22-acre campus in Wainscott. All enjoyed cocktails with vegetarian fare, followed by dinner catered by Olivier Cheng within an elegant setting created by David Monn and Alex Papachristidis. Katharina Otto-Bernstein and Peter Marino presented the ARF Champion of Animals Award to David Monn with a few speeches to raise awareness about ARF's true mission. In 2018, ARF, whose intake exceeded 1,600 dogs and cats at its state-of-the-art Adoption Center provided full medical care including spaying and neutering to all its animals in addition to humane care for their basic needs. Afterwards, the party continued with dancing to music by the Peter Duchin Orchestra. Over 400 high-profile guests from New York and the Hamptons are expected to attend the magical night. All proceeds went to benefit ARF, a regional leader in New York for the rescue and adoption of cats and dogs from animal control centers, puppy mill rescue efforts, and from people who can no longer care for their pets. The evening also included a live auction with Auctioneer Benjamin Doller, a Vice Chairman of Sotheby's, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind luxury items, unique arfITECTURE cat and dog houses - works of art created by top architects and builders, as well as an online auction with charitybuzz.com.