SUMMER 2015 is here in The Hamptons and with it comes lots of parties + events and we can kiss old man winter goodbye as we barely had a Spring! We left off here with videos and photographs from this past summer and going into the festive holidays of the new year for those of us who stick around : ) 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...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 & 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 encouraged you to use firefox as a browser but IE has rendered it just as fine these days as does Safari - either are a snap to download...it makes everything look just right!

Memorial Day came a little early this year! Starting out on the cool side it did give us some warmth and a hint of summer in the end. We ALL know how wild the summer gets every year with events and sometimes too many landing on the same night. So Ross School held their Twelfth Annual Live @Club Starlight gala a whole month early and even before the official season kicked off! Plenty though did get to it and really showed local support and deep pockets from alumni families because of their appreciation for Ross as a progressive school. The evening celebrated scholarship + sustainability with local talent and food at a cocktail reception followed by dinner prepared by renowned Ross Chef de Cuisine Liz Dobbs. Rock & roll and legendary guitarist GE Smith together with special guest Joan Osborne pumped up the crowd with their amazing music! Memorial Day is the season opener so lots of private parties and family cookouts amidst the usual smattering of events like East Hampton Historical Society's Cocktails at Seaside Cottage - its Spring Garden Party at the second summer house built in East Hampton in 1870. May rounded out the month with both ARF's Designer Showhouse + Sale in Sagaponack and the 27th Annual East End Benefit for Planned Parenthood in Sag Harbor hosted at The Sender Estate. Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America was Guest of Honor and Honorary Chair was Dorothy Lichtenstein whose husband was the late renown artist Roy Lichtenstein of Southampton. Top interior decorators again transformed the ARF Thrift Shop into a designer showhouse, using furnishings from the shop and from their own collections. Designers included Brian P. Brady, Jamie Drake, Kevin Hart, Tamara Magel, Mark Schryver and Peri Wolfman. Chairs were Gordon Hoppe, Gigi Mahon, Sandra McConnell and Jeff Pfeile and Vice Chairs were Peter Hallock, Lisa McCarthy and Marshall Watson.

JUNE heralded true summer but typical cool nights and dips in temps and of course initiated the ubiquitous party scene of Summer in The Hamptons!! Beach Magazine hosted a fete for cover star Actress Alexandra Daddario at the newly opened Hamptons hotspot Osteria Salina. Guests enjoyed cocktails from Altaneve and Wolffer Estate Vineyard and light bites from Osteria Salina's Sicilian menu at their brand-new, Wainscott location. Actress Daddario is starring in the new blockbuster film San Andreas also starring "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson. In an interview with fellow co-star Carla Gugino for the cover story for the magazine, Daddario discusses filming San Andreas as well as life growing up in both New York City and Southampton, NY. Guests at the event included: Alexandra Daddario (Actress, San Andreas); Cristina Cuomo (Editor-In-Chief, Beach Magazine); Tim Gaglio (Owner, Osteria Salina); Sal Romano (Osteria Salina); Christina Wayne (CEO, Assembly Entertainment); Sir John Donaldson; Sonia Nassery Cole (Filmmaker); Casey Jennings (Producer); Tripoli Patterson (Gallerist); TR Pescod (Interior Designer); Quinn Pofahl (VP Creative Styling, Ralph Lauren); Jamie Jimenez (Senior Director of Marketing, Baccarat); Michael Derrig (Renowned landscaper); Nathan Orsman (Lighting Designer). Osteria Salina, a Bridgehampton favorite, recently re-located to its brand-new Wainscott location in the iconic Georgica space. With idyllic views of Georgica Pond, guests can enjoy signature dishes including the Spada alla Piastra, a swordfish with a caponatina of eggplant, tomato, golden raisins, capers, and agrodolce while listening to music in the main room's grand piano bar lounge. One of the FAVE benefits of the year is the Decorators-Designers-Dealers Sale, Auctions + Cocktail Party Gala which marked its 23rd year. Long ago a simple rummage sale, this now highly anticipated event has transformed into a mega desinger tag sale of extraordinary home furnishings and antiques with famous live, silent and wine auctions in tandem with the sale.

Safe haven for victims of domestic abuse, The Retreat is our only local shelter and saviour for those in desperate need for their help in getting onto safe ground. Celebrating The Retreat's 20th Annivesary, the gala formerly known as Artsts Against Abuse was renamed ALL AGAINST ABUSE and marked the momentous occasion with a Roaring 20s Summer Soiree! The evening's cocktail and dinner was held at the Field House of Ross School's Lower Campus on Butter Lane in Bridgehampton redecorated and glittering in gold. They also have a WONDERFUL thrift store in Bridgehampton Commons that raises funds for The Retreat. Five hundred guests attended American Heart Association's 19th Annual Hamptons Heart Ball at Hayground School. Glits + Glamour set the theme for the evening raising over three quarters of a million dollars! This year's Hamptons Heart Ball was chaired by Meredith Cohen. Cristina Civetta, heart survivor was Jr. Chair and Chris Wragge, News Anchor, CBS 2 News, Emmy-Winning TV served as Master of Ceremonies. The live auction, conducted by Chris Wragge and Cristina Civetta, included fabulous items such a stay in a Family Tuscan Villa owned by the Civetta's family as well as vintage wine and a table at Rao's in NYC. Howard Bluver donated one of his own very special bottle of wines that brought the American Heart Association thousands. Donatella the Iron Chef showed off her generosity and donated dinner for 10 in her restaurant with a lesson in pizza making paired with wine. During the Special Appeal, 14 year old heart survivor and dancer, Gianna Schupler tap danced every time someone in the audience donated to the American Heart Association!! #awwwh Mid-June was a splendid choice of GOLF outings at our very best courses - and America for that matter! On the silver platter was CMEE's 8th Annual Golf Outing at The Maidstone Club in East Hampton, Ross School's 7th Annual Golf Outing at The Bridge Golf Club in Bridgehampton and WHBPAC's 13th Annual Golf Tournament at the Westhampton Country Club. All were followed by yummy brunches and post-tournament cocktail parties.

Next it was on to Veinte - Ellen's Run SUMMER GALA pretty much right around the corner at Steven Klein's horse farm! It was the 20th Anniversary of Ellen Hermanson Foundation featuring Tito Puente Jr. + his 10 piece band! Honoring Andy Sabin, President of the South Fork Nature Museum for his seemingly boundless generosity, the evening's chairwoman Jean Shafiroff helped pull together a spectacular benefit. South Fork Natural History Museum held its 1st Annual Climate Change Forum + Benefit Climate Change: What it Means for The East End. Thankfully there will be a big push from all the environmental organizations to protect our land and water on the twin forks. Considering we're celebrating 375 years out here, we have done a pretty darn good job at preservation but must work harder to keep it that way and prepare for the future. Also in East Hampton was Stony Hill Stables Benefit Cocktail Party! Despite light showers on Saturday evening, the Stony Hill Stables Foundation annual benefit was a huge success. Attendees enjoyed a special Jumping Exhibition by John Paul Jimenez, a Dressage pas de Deux by Gold medalist Wick Hotchkiss + Stephanie Brown-Beamer, two delightful Pony Drill Team performances by the impressive young riders of Stony Hill Stables, and a Barrel Racing finale. Launched in the summer of 2012, Stony Hill Stables is still the only stable in Long Island to offer this unique equestrian scholarship program to local East End residents.

A good stone's throw away in Springs The Thomas Moran Trust Benefit Cocktail Party - In the Artist's Garden - was hosted at the private Home of Pietro and Katherine Nivola. Paying homage to artists of the burgeoning summer colony, the setting was aptly held at the studio and home of the late Costantino and Ruth Nivola, modernists of the East End art scene from the 1950s to the 1990s. The benefit was for the ongoing campaign to restore the Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran Studio - early members of the summer art colony of the late-19th century. East Hampton Historical Society hosted Cocktails with the Barefoot Contessa - a special benefit for the moving and restoration of the Hedges barn at the Mulford Farm on James Lane. It included a pre-party private reception wth Ina Garten and a signed copy of her newest cookbook, "Make It Ahead" - all 25 were scooped up in a heart beat! Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack hosted Group for the East End's annual benefit, Where the Wild Things...where guests sipped wildlife-themed cocktails, delectable wines from Wolffer created by winemaker and partner, Roman Roth, and enjoyed delicious locally inspired fare by award-winning Executive Chef Noah Schwartz, of Noah's. Christie's enthusiastic auctioneer Mariana Ganthus was at the helm of the superb live auction, featuring 8 unique East End experiences found nowhere else. After competing with fellow guests on the live and silent auctions, the dance floor was hopping as DJ Mad Marj happily spun the tunes of today + yesterday. The theme for the evening was inspired by the need to generate more awareness about the region's vanishing wildlife. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a report in December stating there are 185 species that will be locally extinct in ten years unless urgent action is taken. Most - including box turtles, short-eared owls, bay scallops and hard clams - are on the East End.

The rain held off just until we reached the home of of Priscilla Rattazzi + Chris Whittle for Evening on Georgica Pond Summer - a gala benefit for The Nature Conservancy of Long Island. Luckily the golf carts awaiting us were outfitted with rain gear and flaps so we stayed dry until we met up with the escorts holding oversized umbrellas they thoughtfully had on hand to walk the long path across the grand lawn bordering Georgica Pond. A packed but appreciative bunch enjoyed cocktails under the tent with a performance by Vanessa Trouble followed by dinner in a sumptuous tent adorned with hydrangeas, burlap and greenery. The Nature Conservancy helped introduce Georgica Pond homeowners to Dr. Chris Gobler, who is researching the cause of elevated levels of blue-green algae in Georgica Pond last summer. The findings are expected to be released in July. Thereafter, the Conservancy expects to help implement solutions, just as it has been doing throughout Long Island since launching its science-based campaign to improve water quality in 2012. Corporate Sponsors are ITG and Bloomberg. Benefactors are The ALG Family Foundation, Sandra & Eric Krasnoff, Nicole LaBarbera & David Kelley, The Perelman Family Foundation, Priscilla Rattazzi and Chris Whittle, Patricia & Andrew Steffan, Bettina & Fred Stelle, and Jonathan & Candace Wainwright. Proceeds benefited The Nature Conservancy on Long Island as it protects and restores natural areas including bays, harbors and woodlands; transforms how nature is valued and used; and inspires people to collective action. They are also the ones who keep our trails cleared throughout the wooded preserves. As well expos descended upon us too! Edible Business, The Food Lab at Stony Brook Southampton was a full weekend event - heck yeah, all kinds of foodie attractions swelled our the campus with people from all over the island and New York.

JULY kicked off all sorts of celebrations of the 375th Anniversary of the Town of Southampton - there were tours of Corwith Windmill, the Community House, Historic Sites, Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, the 1644 Grist Mill with grinding demos at the Water Mill Museum and Colonial games for children on the Village Green along with good old fashioned refreshments!! All sorts of reenactments and celebrations mapped out a lot of territory in our little hamlets. One was a walking tour of Southampton's first settlement in 1640 beginning at the William K. Dunwell Park along with stories of the young colony settled by the English pioneers after landing at Conscience Point in June of 1640. They continued to Fowler's Preserve, a little-known wildlife preserve close by that, through conservation, retains a similar look to that of Southampton in 1640 before farming and development forever changed the landscape. There was a "Happy 375th Birthday Southampton Party" at the Rogers Mansion with a concert by the Sag Harbor Community Band brass band who performed music from the Great American Song Book...AND the reverly continued right into July 4th with the annual parade marking the 375th Anniversary! Just two ferry rides away from Sag Harbor to Shelter Island to Greenport the tall ship L'Hermione made a pit stop along its two-month "Re-Living History" sail to commerate the French General Lafayette's maiden voyage to America when he and his men helped George Washington win the American Revolution against the British. 17 years in the re-making the Hermione sailed 3,819 miles across the Atlantic in time to arrive on the North Fork of Long Island in time for July 4th to celebrate the Spirit of Freedom with us! Rounding out the weekend festivities was a favorite - the 28th Annual American Picnic with spectacular Grucci Fireworks at an oceanfront estate on Meadow Lane to benefit The Southampton Fresh Air Home.

Art came roaring back again this season with three major art expos kicking off with ArtHamptons over the big July 4th weekend and then spilling over into Art Southampton and ArtMarket + Design Both Guild Hall + The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation were beneficiaries of ArtHamptons this year and it was held at another venue on Lumber Lane while Art Southampton took over Nova's Ark this year. Wrapping up its fourth and largest edition yet, Art Southampton, a leading international contemporary and modern art fair for acquiring investment-quality 20th and 21st century works of art, presented by Art-Miami, drew a record 21,000 collectors, art enthusiasts, curators and art lovers to the world-renowned pastoral grounds of Nova's Ark Project. Attendees resoundingly noted the distinguished array of contemporary artworks and installations, paintings, photography, prints, drawings, design, video art, and indoor and outdoor sculptures showcased by more than 80 international galleries at the fair. Sales began almost immediately after the fair opened its doors to the lavish and exclusive two-tiered VIP Private Preview, which benefited the Parrish Art Museum and Southampton Hospital and set the tone for both the evening and the fair's five-day duration. Then it was on to the Art Market VIP Preview Party to benefit the Peconic Land Trust at Fairview Farm on Mecox Bay! Another of the East End's premier modern and contemporary art fairs it didn't shatter any expectations either for top tier art, design and sound.

Keeping up with the spirit of America's birthday in tandem with the birthday of Southampton, the Southampton Historical Museum hosted the Halsey House Gala to celebrate its oldest home - The Thomas Halsey Homestead built in 1640. Once again commemorating the 375th anniversary of Southampton locals and summer residents gathered together to enjoy live music, plentiful hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, the 3rd NY Regiment in colonial costume, and a silent auction all to benefit the museum. A fancy lawn party where people came dressed in festive clothing to toast one another at the open bar and then dine on a selection of yummy boards offering fresh made sushi, shrimp the size of lobsters and a variety of savory meats and smoked vegetables. Costumed re-enactors dressed as colonial militia giving off periodic gun salutes causing a few high jumps in the crowd while wenches dressed in 18th century gowns entertain guests with fortune telling and saucy jokes. Just around Lake Agawam from South Main on First Neck, Emmy Award-winning NBC anchor and correspondent Chuck Scarborough and his wife were hosting Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue's 4th Annual Summer Benefit! The event each year raises money for the rescue's efforts to save dogs from kill shelters across the country, spay/neuter the dogs, pay for all necessary medical care and find them loving forever homes. Chuck Scarborough, animal lover and adopter of two Gimme Shelter dogs, was master of ceremonies. Then it was on to Rock the Dock on the Long Wharf on Bay Street FOR Bay Street Theatre!! This annual summer benefit took on a new twist this year in collaboration with DreamWorks Theatricals presenting The Prince Of Egypt including Aaron Lazar (The Wolf of Wall Street, This Is Where I Leave You, J. Edgar) and Norm Lewis (Scandal, Porgy and Bess, Phantom of the Opera) - ahead of the VIP cocktail reception followed by dinner in the divine tent that practically covered the entire wharf. Honorary Chair was Joy Behar and Honorees were Timothy H. Bishop and Joe Pintauro. Richard Kind was celebrity auctioneer and Co-Chairs included Erik Batt & Daniel Marsili and Steven & Karol Todrys. It couldn't have been a more perfect evening to open the flaps of the massive tent and watch boats and yachts alike coming and going in the harbor - our good, old Sag Harbor : )

Yes, there are weekends during each summer that are jammed with the most wonderful events that it makes it hard to choose which one to go to! Sometimes it requires a Master of Logistics and a back road map that rivals any and all others ; ) We scooted over to Bridgehampton for the 11th Anniverary of Annual Hamptons Happening Waxman Foundation Benefit at the home of Maria & Kenneth Fishel who once again generously offered up their expansive property for what's come to be known as "The Waxman." The event broke previous fundraising records in its 11-year history, bringing in more than $500,000 with over $100,000 raised going to a thyroid cancer research grant established by Bobby Zarin, a thyroid cancer survivor, with his wife Jill Zarin in partnership with the SWCRF. True to its reputation as The Hamptons' leading philanthropic feast, A Hamptons Happening treated approximately 500 guests to the gastronomic delights presented by more than 30 of the top restaurants, caterers and food and beverage brands in New York City and The Hamptons. This year's featured restaurateurs were Mauro Maccioni of the Le Cirque Restaurant Group, which includes Le Cirque, Sirio and Circo, and Chef John DeLancie of Crown Group Hospitality, which operates The Lion and Bill's Food & Drink. In addition, 30-plus, chefs hosted their own tables with menus that included Asian, Indian, organic, seafood AND extraordinary buffets by some of the finest pastry chefs. There was a humongous open bar and that along with hot NYC DJ Super Dave that got everyone up and onto the dance floor while a top-notch live and silent auction, featuring various experience packages, as well as one-of-a-kind luxury items, ran through the course of the evening. Founding Chairs, Marion Waxman and Laurie Schaffran, were at the helm, with Pamela Morgan & Michael Trokel serving as the Event Chairs. The honorees for the evening were Marc Leder Co-CEO Sun Capital Partners and Bobby Zarin, Chairman, Zarin Fabrics - and big time real estate developer. WCBS-TV Channel 2 news anchor Chris Wragge served as emcee for the fourth year in a row! Rivaling these were the Parrish Art Museum's Annual Midsummer Gala followed by their After 10 party for juniors + night owls - and SOFO's 26th Annual Summer GALA Celebrates the East End honoring April Gornik, Adrian Grenier + Willi Salm...chaired by Top Chef Kerry Heffernan, Susan Rockefeller + Samantha Yanks - The Nancy Atlas Band provided live music at a pre-event VIP w/ cocktails + videos and a Tasting Menu featuring local food champions Brian Halweil, Joseph Realmuto, Jon Snow!

It was the 3rd Annual Dan's GrillHampton held at Sayre Park in Bridgehampton and hosted by Food Network's "Restaurant Impossible" Robert Irvine + "Chopped" star Marc Murphy. It was The Hamptons vs. NYC as GrillHampton, Presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, pitted 8 East End chefs against 8 Manhattan chefs in a one-of-a-kind cooking competition and tasting event. An evening of great grilled fare, beer and specialty cocktails - along with live music by New Life Crisis followed by a cast of votes for the finest food of the night!! It preceded the 5th Annual Dan's Taste of Two Forks hosted by Food Network star Katie Lee + Michael Symon, Star of ABC's The Chew the folloing night. Honoring B. Smith for her dedication to dining in The Hamptons and the city throughout her career, the VIP reception and music by DJ PHRESH was another extravagant event featuring 40 of the best local restaurants and wineries from both the North and South Forks together for one heck of a tasteful evening all under one jinormous tent! A portion of proceeds benefitted All For The East End. Russell Simmons, Dave Chappelle and Gayle King were just a few of the many attendees at last night's 16th Annual Art for Life Benefit in The Hamptons. The annual Art for Life benefit, held at Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton, was held in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. The event raised more than $1.19 million in support of RUSH's work to bring arts programing to inner city youth. The event, hosted by Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's co-founders Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, was emceed by Soledad O'Brien. Angela Simmons and JoJo Simmons joined their uncles for the evening that honored Dave Chappelle, Michaela and Simon de Pury, Ava DuVernay and featured artist Wangechi Mutu. The roaring 20s themed event featured music by DJ M.O.S. and special performances by Bell Biv Devoe and Elle Varner. Additional guests included James Lipton, Jason Binn, Jaslene Gonzalez, Bleona, DJ Kiss, LuAnn de Lesseps and Kevin Liles. Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (RPAF) is dedicated to providing inner city youth with significant exposure to the arts, as well as to supporting emerging artists with exhibition opportunities. Rush was founded in 1995 by three brothers: Danny Simmons, visual artist and community builder; media mogul Russell Simmons; and Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. Their goal was to fill the gap that the disenfranchised and people of color faced in both accessing the arts and exhibition opportunities.

A nother absolute #fave event was hosted by Donna Karan and Kelly Ripa for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund's (OCRF) 18th annual Super Saturday NY. Guests in attendance included June Ambrose, Alec + Hilaria Baldwin, Dennis Basso, Joy Behar, Jonathan Cheban, Mark Feuerstein, Clare Foley, Mayor Rudolph and July Giuliani, Miss USA Olivia Jordana, Gayle King, Valisia LeKae, Cathy Moriarty, Kelly Rutherford, Beth Shak, Brooke Shields, Molly Sims, Jordana Spiro, Kristen Taekman, Aida Turturro, Ali Wentworth, Joe Zee and Rachel Zoe. Sponsored by QVC this family friendly fun-filled day of designer shopping at steep discounts, an extravangant luncheon, open bar and fairground theatrics + rides raised a staggering $3.4 MILLION! Once dubbed "the Rolls-Royce of garage sales," this MOST fashionable garage sale featured over 150 designers including: Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Vince, Alex Bittar, Bonpoint, Henri Bendel, Milly, Theory, Elie Tahar, alice + olivia, Scoop NYC, Vilebrequin, Kiehl's Since 1851, L'Angence, Calypson St. Barth Shoshanna and Zimmerman. For the eighth year in a row, the "Designers A to Zoe" booth by Rachel Zoe featured a compilation of pieces from her favorite luxury designers including DSQUARED2, Giambattista Valli, Prabal Gurung, Jenni Kayne, Calvin Klein, Stella McCartney Kids, ZAC Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs. OCRF + QVC united once again for "QVC Presents Super Saturday LIVE," a simultaneous live on-site broadcast offering viewers nationwide the same chance to purchse premier fashion, beauty, jewelry, accessories and home items for half the suggested retail price with net proceeds benefitting OCRF. We know you just said WOWWW ; ) The Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation hosted Circus of Stillness...the power over wild beasts - the 22nd Annual Summer Benefit & Auction at The Watermill Center, raising over $1.9 million to support The Center's year-round Residency Program, International Summer Program, and educational initiatives that provide artists with a unique opportunity to develop their work. Artistic Director Robert Wilson hosted over 1,200 distinguished guests from the worlds of art, performance, theater, fashion, design and society who came together for the visually stunning event which honored Inga Maren Otto, international philanthropist and long-time supporter of The Watermill Center. Founded by avant-garde visionary Robert Wilson, The Watermill Center is an interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts and humanities located onLong Island's East End. The Watermill Center is dedicated to supporting young and emerging artists through its year-round artist residency program, International Summer Program, education programs and open rehearsals. Among the guests at Saturday night's event were: artist, Daniel Arsham; writer, Bob Colacello; producer, arts patron, Christophe de Menil; philanthropist, Diana DiMenna; Bill T. Jones and Bjorn G. Amelan of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company; designer, fashion pioneer, Fern Mallis; designer, Nicole Miller; actress, Brooke Shields; Public School designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne; curator, Anastasiya Siro; philanthropist, Barbara Slifka; performer, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot; designer, John Varvatos; singer/songwriter, Rufus Wainwright; and musician, Roger Waters. The intruguing journey meandering throughout the property and cool, live installations leading up to the tent for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and a beautiful exhibition was followed dinner inside featuring breathtaking collaborative installations by members of contemporary circus ensemble, Cirkus Cirkor including selections from Knitting Peace - a work that was performed at the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Oslo in 2012. Members of the ensemble were outfitted in jewelry by Plukka for the evening. The live auction was conducted by veteran auctioneer Simon de Pury, and together with the silent auction both powered by Artsy - featured over 125 works donated by established and emerging artists including: Tania Bruguera, Arthur Carter, Tseng Kwong Chi, Antony Gormley, María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Marina Abramovic, Uta Barth, Annie Leibovitz, and Ursula von Rydingsvard. After dinner, guests enjoyed dessert and dancing to music spun by DJ Flaxo in the silent auction tent. This event in and of itself is probably the most adventurous and thought provoking as well as entertaining benefits of the entire season...and a *really must-see event.

Opening the 7th Annual Summer Docs series w/ series presenter Alec Baldwin was Best of Enemies playing in The John Drew Theater at the Dina Merrill Pavilion at Guild Hall. Directed with consummate skill by filmmakers Robert Gordon and Academy Award-winning Sundance Film Festival alum Morgan Neville, "Best of Enemies" unleashes a highbrow blood sport that marked the dawn of pundit television as we know it today. In the summer of 1968 television news changed forever. Dead last in the ratings, ABC hired two towering public intellectuals to debate each other during the Democratic and Republican national conventions. William F. Buckley Jr. was a leading light of the new conservative movement. A Democrat and cousin to Jackie Onassis, Gore Vidal was a leftist novelist and polemicist. Armed with deep-seated distrust and enmity, Vidal and Buckley believed each other's political ideologies were dangerous for America. Like rounds in a heavyweight battle, they pummeled out policy and personal insult their explosive exchanges devolving into vitriolic name-calling. Live and unscripted, they kept viewers riveted. Ratings for ABC News skyrocketed. And a new era in public discourse was born. Support for the screening of BEST OF ENEMIES is graciously provided by the Wall Street Journal. Directors Robert Gordon and Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, subject Dick Cavett were in attendance, along with Series Presenter Alec Baldwin. Writer, Director, Executive Producer and Star Edward Burns, along with Stars Wass Stevens, Elizabeth Masucci, and Katrina Bowden were with Hamptons International Film Festival Executive Director Anne Chaisson and Artistic Director David Nugent to present a special screening of TNT's Public Morals, which premieres on August 25th. They attended a private pre-reception at the Maidstone, followed by a screening and Q&A at Guild Hall in East Hampton. SummerDocs presenting sponsor TNT took viewers to the gritty streets and the bright, seductive lights of 1960s New York this summer with Public Morals, a powerful police drama from writer, director, executive producer and star Edward Burns (SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN, TNT's Mob City). Public Morals also stars Michael Rapaport (Justified, Prison Break) and Elizabeth Masucci (The Americans, Inside Amy Schumer). The next of the Summer Doc series was Listen to me Marlon - a much less a factual recital of Marlon Brando's acting career and personal life, than a creative odyssey into the mind and motivation of an enigma. Like an arch hypnotist Brando's own voice leads the storytelling - there are no interviewees, no talking heads, just Marlon guiding us into the padlocked recesses of his own memory, and through the story of his life. In homage to the corkscrew personality of its subject, previously unheard personal audio tapes reveal witty and unexpected turns of Marlon's thinking; dipping between light and dark, humour and self-psychoanalysis. The non-linear approach leaps and drifts back and forth in chronology to help illustrate memory's haunting effect on the present. Visually the film conveys hypnotic states and quixotic departures as we lose ourselves in Brando's spoken daydreams, playful asides and confiding whispers. Macquarie Group and Beach Magazine were presenting sponsors the screening. Both Christina and her husband Chris Cuomo were there along with Stuart Suna of Silvercup Studios and HIFF.

The Peconic Land Trust ALWAYS gives a fabulous fundraiser with Through Farms and Fields and this year was no less spectacular for location. Held at the McCall Ranch in Cutchogue in *honor of Russell McCall + Family it was a truly unique country supper that began with cocktails and music by the horse barn followed by a tour of their farm meandering through the fields of crops, cows and horses to an elegant white tent set amidst another beautiful field...through farm and field to supper as promised! The occasion marked a celebration of both conservation and sustainability by the exemplary McCalls who are the tradekmark success story for the North Fork. It was Peconic Land Trust's first time in Cutchogue and especially exciting that it was the 375th Anniversary year for both the Towns of Southold + Southampton. It was a perfect August evening for Southampton Hospital's 57th Annual Summer Party that started with sunset cocktails looking out into the wild flower field across Wickapogue and Old Town Road. The dinner tent facing the other direction was magnificently designed with black + white table Fantasia theme by Tony Urrutia and echoing the familiar tunes of The Alex Donner Orchestra with the maestro himself! Cindy Willis and quite a number of the guests dressed in theme as well pulling it altogether in their usual sense of style for most fashionable attire. Always so nice to have an air-conditioned tent when dancing too ; ) Jean Remmel FitzSimmons who is well known as a huge fundraiser at a number of renown hospitals was Benefit Chair for the evening and Honorary Chair was Howard M. Lorber and MC for the splendid summer benefit was NBC News Anchor, Chuck Scarborough. Plenty of familiar faces like Mark Gilbertson, Debby Bancroft, Chris Arnold, Michael and Maryann Shaheen, Alex Donner and other old guard mixed with all the new jet set and medical marvels. A silent auction and a full house helped raise the bar for Southampton Hospital's fundraising efforts this year!

In Southampton The New York Center for Children Hosted The Sunflower Party at the home of Henry Buhl. Henry throws this annual benefit in sync with his fields bursting with yellow sunflowers in an explosion of summer's finest colors. Pretty gals in yellow shirts passed around hors d'oeuvres on the patio while guests made their selections at two bars providing Manhattan Moonshine, debuting the first premium un-aged white whiskey, Sufi Wines, Circo Southampton, Pasion Tequila, Iceberg Vodka, Fruzen Ice, Tracy Stern Tea & Company and Gabriella Wines giving a wide range of choices on this loveliest of summer evenings : ) Guests joined band leader Alfredo Merat on the dancefloor and were serenaded by Metropolitan Opera singer Alyson Cambridge for a very special rendition of the song Summertime...especially beautiful indeed. A silent auction allowed for bidding on a host of items which included boleros from the Harrison Morgan Collection + a Sk8 Studio skateboard donated by Tracy Stern amongst lots of other items. All proceeds raised from the silent auction and ticket sales went towards the NYCC's services, which help victims of child abuse and their families through the healing process. Notable attendees at the event included: Henry Buhl (Event Host and Co-Chair, Sunflower Party); Lauren Vernon (Board Member, New York Center for Children; Co-Chair, Sunflower Party); Christine Rales (Board Member, New York Center for Children); Christine Crowther (Director, New York Center for Children); Alyson Cambridge (Host Committee, Sunflower Party; Metropolitan Opera Singer); Aviva Drescher (TV Personality); Lucia Hwong Gordon (Co-Chair, Sunflower Party); Joy Marks (Host Committee, Sunflower Party); Tracy Stern (Founder, Tracy Stern Tea & Co.); Nicole Dicocco (Host Committee, Sunflower Party); Anna Mann & William Mann; Jean Shafiroff (Philanthropist); Andrew Flach (Publisher, Hatherleigh Press); Andrea Greeven-Douzet (Publisher, Beach Magazine); Dr. Penny Grant; Lisa Herbert; William Kehler (Founder, Manhattan Moonshine); Maria and Mario Maccioni (Owners, Circo Southampton); Jackie Rogers (Fashion Designer); Howie Rosen (Founder, Pasion Tequila); Randi Schatz (Publisher, Avenue on the Beach); Hana Bisceglie (Founder, Fruzen Ice). Over 350 guests attended Guild Hall's Summer Gala which celebrated the opening of Roy Lichtenstein: Between Sea and Sky in The Museum at Guild Hall. Following the preview of the show, the party moved to a lush 23 acre private estate in East Hampton where the festivities included music by Hannah Bronfman (DJ, model, and entrepreneur) with the dining catered by Sonnier + Castle. Alec Baldwin was the auctioneer with Michael Lynne assisting him. Auction lots featured works by Kaws, Annie Leibovitz, Keith Sonnier, & William Wegman along with a fine wine dining experience curated by Florence Fabricant, food and wine writer for The New York Times. Art storage and the display was managed by UOVO. April Gornik hosted the evening which included a tribute by Dorothy Lichtenstein to her long-time friend Mickey Straus in whose memory the exhibition is dedicated. Mr. Straus joined Guild Hall's board in 1992 and served as Chair from 1995-2013. Attending were Mary Boone, Alexandra Fairweather, Eric Fischl, Jake Paltrow, Elizabeth Peyton, David Salle, Cindy Sherman, Taryn Simon, Keith Sonnier among others. The evening raised approximately $700,000 for this great and well-established organization and pillar of The Hamptons.

Over in Sagaponack VH1 Save The Music Foundation raised almost $800K at its exclusive HAMPTONS LIVE benefit concert at Julie Macklowe's summer estate. The evening, which raised more than twice the amount of last year's benefit to support music education in schools, was headlined by Jason Derulo with DJs Hannah Bronfman and Brendan Fallis co-spinning. The final tally amount raised is still running! Derulo made the breezy outdoor setting into a true hot summer night as he performed some of his most beloved hits with a full band and five backup dancers. His set included Trumpets," "Want To Want Me," "Marry Me," and a shirtless rendition of "Watcha Say," among others. Jason put his heart into it noting that "Music has always been a great part of my life, it kept me off the streets," during his Hamptons Live performance. "I feel fortunate that I have this platform where I can speak about things that I actually care about -- music is one of those things. All of us being here today is a testament to the great people that started this organization. Let's give VH1 Save The Music a round of applause." Notable guests to swing through the party included Bethenny Frankel, Bobby Flay, Miesa, Jenna Ushkowitz, LuAnn de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Jill Zarin, Selenis Leyva, Eric Lively, Timolin Cole, Tiffany Trump, Jason Binn and more. Flowers and greens were donated by Jack & Rose Florist, one of New York's longest-running independent floral design studios based in Long Island. The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of The Hamptons celebrated another year of rehabilitating and successfully releasing animals back into the wild across Long Island with its annual GET WILD Summer Gala. The event was hosted by the Marder family at the Silas Marder Gallery in Bridgehampton honoring artists April Gornik & Eric Fischl, Amy Sullivan Susan Penzner {real estate broker}. Honorary Co-Chairs were Hilaria & Alec Baldwin, Cornelia Guest, Carey Lowell, Jill Rappaport and Beth Ostrosky Stern. Guests enjoyed live music along with cocktails and light vegetarian fare from only one of THE tastiest food trucks out here + stationed at Marders! A silent art auction, which was live on Paddle8 leading up to the event and available for guests on tablets set up around the event space. Some of the items included Untitled by Ross Bleckner , an oil painting on canvas, valued at $10,000; April Gornik's Reflected Sunset, valued at $7,000; Eric Fischl's drawing Untitled (Showering Girl From Behind), Valued at $8,000 and Aurora Borealis, an oil and spray paint on canvas, by Adam Stennett to name a few. Some of the more notable guests attending were Leslie Alexander (Benefactor, The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center); Leslie Alexander (Benefactor, The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center); April Gornik & Eric Fischl (Honorees, Get Wild Gala); Amy Sullivan (Honorees, Get Wild Gala); Susan Penzner (Honoree, Get Wild Gala); Peter Beard (Photographer); Dina & Steve Hanson; Anne Hearst &Jay McInerney; Linda & Ben Lambert; Howard Lorber and Jeaninne Gourin (Douglas Elliman); Nicole Miller (Fashion designer); Tony Peck & Paula Peck; Jill Rappaport (Correspondent, NBC news); Jay Schneiderman (Emcee, Get Wild Gala; Legislator); Jean Shafiroff (Philanthropist); Fred and Nancy Thiele (New York State Assemblyman); Anna Throne-Holst (Southampton Town Supervisor); Ginnie Frati (Executive Director, The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center); Shelley Berkoski (Director of Development, The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center).

On a perfect summer evening, Co-Chairs Greg Ammon and Valentino D. Carlotti hosted From Havana to the Hamptons to benefit Jazz at Lincoln Center's performance and education programs. Mr. Carlotti and Mr. Ammon, with his fiancee Stacy Volkov, welcomed guests with a Caribbean-themed menu and signature cocktails sponsored by Hennessy Prestige, while being treated to musical performances by critically-acclaimed, Cuban musicians Pedrito Martinez and Jose "Pepito" Gomez under the tent. Coinciding with the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Havana, including a flag-raising ceremony that marked the first time the Stars and Stripes have flown over a diplomatic compound in Cuba in 54 years, the event celebrated the album release Live in Cuba (to be released on August 21, 2015) featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performing for sold-out crowds over three nights in Havana's historic Mella Theater in October 2010. Live in Cuba is the organization's first release on the newly formed Blue Engine Records - an initiative by Jazz at Lincoln Center to release studio and live recordings, as well as archival recordings from Jazz at Lincoln Center's performance history that date back to 1987 and are part of the R. Theodore Ammon Archives and Music Library. Dinner following the performance featured signature cocktails by Hennessy, including the Smash and a unique take on the classic French 75, and a Caribbean-inspired meal that included spicy jerked chicken and poached salmon with an escovitch relish. We chose the salmon and it was DELISH! The wait staff passed around assorted trays of delectable desserts such as miniature flan, petit carrot cakes and chocolate truffles to go with the refined Hennessy cognac also being passed around on silver trays. East Hampton's Big Flower also showcased bespoke pocket squares and many guests went home with cigars hand-rolled onsite by Cortez Cigars that were finished with a custom-designed "Havana to The Hamptons" cigar band. This must certainly be considered an inaugural *annual event considering both its understated elegance and the entertainment...Lincoln Center!! Guests in attendance were co-chairs Greg Ammon and Valentino D. Carlotti; Jazz at Lincoln Center Board Members Diana and Joe DiMenna and Lola West; Brad Grossman, co-chair of JALC's Rhythm Club; as well as Flo Anthony, Audrey Bernard, Jacquie Lee, Jean Shafiroff, Sidra Smith and Stacy Volkov. Musicians in attendance included Alvaro Benavides, Daimar Calvario, Aaron Diehl, Jose "Pepito" Gomez, Mauricio Herrera, Pedrito Martinez, Adam Perez, Jhair Sala, and Ariacne Trujillo. The event was co-hosted by JALC's Rhythm Club and Swing!

We're pretty sure most everyone will agree with us that Dan's 6th Annual Harvest East End is one of *the most enjoyable ways to start closing the summer social season on the east end. Crowds sipped and savored as Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian kicked off the night after being "choppered" in by Wings Air. They were offering demos out in the field while cattle grazed the fields outside and inside guests were tasting wines from 40 local wineries and yummy morsels from over 30 restaurants. Celebrated as as an Iron Chef, a judge on Chopped and co-host of The Kitchen, Zakarian was on hand to sign copies of his latest cookbook "My Perfect Pantry" for foodies, fans, vinters + chefs. He welcomed the packed house which drew a record breakind crowd of 1500 this year and introduced former LI Wine Council president and current director, Ron Goerler of Jamesport Wines. With three James Beard Award nominations and over thirty years at Restaurant Mirabelle on Long Island, now at Stony Brook's Three Village Inn, Guy Reuge was presented with this year's award. Jim Trezise was given the annual wine honoree award by Long Island Wine Council President Sal Diliberto of Diliberto Winery. Proceeds from the evening's silent auction combined with a portion of ticket sales were donated to HRHCare, The Long Island Farm Bureau and Peconic Land Trust. VIPs from around The Hamptons showed their support for Love Heals at the Tamara Mellon Pop Up in Southampton. Designer Tamara Mellon invited guests to join hosts Mickey Boardman, Giulia Caltagirone Azmoudeh, Ann Caruso, Peter Davis, Kelli Delaney, Zani Gugelmann and Lucy Sykes for a festive afternoon of shopping and cocktails at her new Southampton pop-up store. A percentage of sales from the event benefitted Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education. Fashionable guests included Serena Boardman, Marie-Chantal of Greece, Brendan & Evan Dillon, Kimberly Guifoyle, Alex Kuczynski, Margaret Luce, Euan Rellie and Susan Shin, who received style advice from the designer as they shopped her fave fall looks.

In Water Mill Bob & Lee Woodruff hosted Hamptons Stands for Heroes, which celebrated the work of The Bob Woodruff Foundation at the LOVELY home of Joan + George Hornig with media partner Beach Magazine. Designed by Rafanelli Events, it began with cocktails by Manhattan Moonshine, which debuted the world's first premium un-aged whiskey, and beer from Montauk Brewery. In addition, guests enjoyed superb canapes served by Acquolina Catering (+ we think best of the summer}, overlooking the grounds of the estate. The cocktail reception featured a special performance by US Marine Combat Veteran JW Cortes and a car display courtesy of Six Sigma Auto Group. Following the cocktail reception, guests enjoyed a special VIP dinner at the Hornig's barn, which featured a special performance by the incomparable Rachel Brown. Notable attendees included Lee Woodruff, Joan & George Hornig, James Lipton, Jane Hanson, Chris Cuomo, Cristina Cuomo, Gerry and Liz Byrne, Anna Throne-Holst, Adam Sikora, Robbie Browne, Yolanda Garretti, William Kehler, and Mack Woodruff. *ALL of the proceeds of the night went to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which was founded by ABC News Correspondent Bob Woodruff and his wife Lee after Bob was hit by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq in January 2006. The then Co-Anchor of World News Tonight was given access to all of the proper treatment enabling him to fully recover within 13 months from the traumatic brain injury he received. Their experiences inspired them to help make sure our nation's heroes have access to the resources they deserve, for as long as they need them. Another even bigger event in Water Mill was Prostate Cancer Foundation's (PCF) annual gala at the Parrish Art Museum raising over $4 million breaking the record for this event! The nonprofit organization founded by Michael Milken remains steadfast in its commitment to identify and fund groundbreaking cancer research programs to save the lives of millions. PCF hosted the gala which was the culmination and support of the 11th Annual Charles Evans PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament being held the last week of August and named after the successful entrepreneur who constantly turned tragic events throughout his life into philanthropic causes. The gala evening was a celebration featuring cocktails, dining and special performances from Natalie Cole and David Foster with special guests including American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard, Emily West, Forte Tenors and Shelea Frazier. The show ended with a group rendition of Hey Jude, then Michael Milken thanked David Foster and invited everyone to the other stage whereupon guests danced the night away to Super Diamond, a Neil Diamond cover band. Other notable attendees included hosts: Jim Coleman + Cynthia Ott, Bob + Deanna Adler, Seth & Marie Bernstein, Jeff + Mei Sze Greene, Mitchell Modell, Glenn & Jennifer Myles, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Stewart Rahr, Artie & Selma Rabin, Dean Palin, Dr. Joel Pashcow, Leon + Leeza Wagner, John Paulson, Joe Torre, Marla Maples, Jason Binn, Frank Luntz, Richard Kind, Former New York Governor David Patterson, Dr. Jonathan Simons (CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation), Larry Leeds, Jerry Cohen, Brian Reynolds, Chris Oberbeck, Don Marron, Mark Philippoussis (Pro), Robert Kendrick (Pro), Danny Govberg, Barry Sternlicht, Arik Kislin, Elaine Wynn, Randi Schatz, Neal Sroka, Lauren Vernon, Jackie Rogers. 100 percent of the funds raised throughout the evening went to supporting groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.

An evening inviting the entire community to celebrate Southampton's 375th Anniversary at SummerFest was held on a beautiful summer evening at the Southampton Arts Center. Hosted on the grounds of the beloved landmark better known as the former Parrish Art Museum, guests were treated to Cuban jazz, a Cuban dance performance, the current exhibition Cuba,Cuba! and passed hors d'oeuvres. Outside were beautifully appointed tables, a Riva yacht, a cozy setting of rattan sofas + ottomans around a table spread with an assortment by Golden Pear...and of course...a gorgeous tent with open bar and food stations provided by a great many local restaurants. The wide selection of dishes from an array of celebrated restaurants and chefs across the East End came from the likes of Sant Ambroeus, Red Bar, Clamman, La Parmigiana, Citarella's and so many more. Select offerings of salmon with dill sauce, tuna tartar cones, corn salad, shrimp salad cups, homemade mozzerella w/fresh local tomatoes and signature homemade oil + vinegar, delicate pastries were just a few of the samplings laid out...shall I continue? Taittinger Champagne was served perfectly chilled in fluted glasses and signature cocktails like "Citrus" with orange, lemon, grapefruit, ginger, cayenne and "Game on Lemon Lime" with lemon, lime, coconut water, coconut sugar + sea salt. Champagne was our indulgence for the evening!! Proceeds from the event will allow the Southampton Arts Center to expand their efforts to provide film, music, dance, theater, children's events, lectures and literary series, further enhancing the vibrancy of The Hamptons' community through the arts. The Event Chairs were Simone & David W. Levinson and Tiffany & Claus Moller and Co-Chairs include Leila & Henry Heller, Tracey & Craig Huff, Renee Harbers Liddell & Chris Liddell and Federica Marchionni. LAND'S END, Modern Luxury's BEACH Magazine and Juice Press all sponsored Southampton Arts Center's second annual SummerFest. Ticket packages were aptly nicknamed with local referances: Dune Beach Ticket, Conscience Point Ticket, Coopers Beach Package, Windmill Lane Package, Main Street Package or Jobs Lane Package : ) Guests included Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Kathy & Rick Hilton, Judith Guiliani, Christina + Hal Steinbrenner, Richard Mack, Fernanda Niven, David Wassong, Lise Evans, Erica & Michael Karsch, Charles, Manger, Hilary Geary Ross + Wilbur Ross, Diana Dimenna, Lisa Dennison, David Kratz + Greg Unis and Debbie Bancroft.

We await the Hamptons International Film Festival each + every year with high hopes for both more Oscar winning premieres and also just wonderful films that you can ONLY see at film festivals and sadly never make it to the theater. There are SO many of those which is what makes the festival so cool to have right here in The Hamptons! Seriously big names in addition to a wide array of talent makes it a powerpacked Columbus Day weekend and abuzz throughout the hamlets. We've covered a lot of the new and signature programs on our blog right through the awards but here we have a sampling of some of the special events + parties sprinkled in between...as well as some interviews and red carpets too. Some of those involved in attendance were Dennis Quaid, Dan Rather, Morgan Freeman, Michael Moore, Bob Balaban, Alan Alda, Olivia Wilde, Emily Blunt who was Variety Honoree for Creative Impact on Acting and Bobby Flay - a Juror along with Josh Charles + Marshall Fine, Chair of New York Film Critic's Circle. It was a treat to get to see some of the terrific films chosen by David Nugent and Executive Director Anne Chaisson who are the backbone of the festival. Again there were thrilling Opening + Closing Films: James Vanderbilt's Truth kicked off the festival with Dennis Quaid there in East Hampton; Youth was the opening film in Southampton which was packed in spite of raging thunderstorms in an otherwise perfect span of warm + gorgeous Autumn days! HIFF closed the festival with the return of original HIFF Board Member Steven Speilberg as Director and Producer of Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks...we're betting on this one for the Oscars foh shurrr!!! Truth stars Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett, Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Moss and Topher Grace. The Centerpiece Film, Spotlight, stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams and the other Centerpiece film Carol stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Youth from Academy Award winner Paolo Sorrention stars Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Jane Fonda, Rachel Weisz and Paul Dano. SO mega talent heralded once again throughout HIFF. Some other great movies included in our roster were Brooklyn, A Royal Night Out, Palio, The Champions and one out of Views From Long Island - Harry and Snowman directed by Ron Davis. That one struck a special chord because Harry DeLeyer taught riding at my boarding school so great fun to catch up with old chums and see Harriet and her beloved father again for a vist afterwards at The Palm for a reception in his honor. The film was a tear jerker but so moving and worthwhile- the row of young riders in front of us were sobbing!! The Chairman's Reception was a momentous occasion this year because long-time HIFF Chairman Stuart Match Suna was being honored by Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro who are taking the helm from here as Co-Chairmen. A multi-generational affair where we couldn't help but notice SO MANY DADS with their beloved children in attendence. We captured some of those precious moments - the mothers were there but it was the fathers who made a marked presence this year!! Even Stuart Suna proudly introduced his daughter upon taking the microphone and Alec Balwin's little one STOLE the mike : ) Everyone I spoke to seemed genuinely pleased to show how much they adored their children and thoroughly enjoyed them...beaming smiles all the way around! A festive occasion and a family friendly one at that. Loads of other after parties, brunches, dinners and receptions PLUS the Inaugural Awards Dinner...and of course the annual Awards Ceremony!

Variety Magazine announced their annual list of Variety 10 Actors to Watch, featuring up-and-coming stars with uncommonly bright futures. For the 4th year in a row, this exciting group was celebrated at the annual Hamptons International Film Festival. Steven Gaydos, Variety's VP and executive editor, explains the honor, which dates back to 1998: "Actors to Watch turn up in edgy little indies, studio blockbusters and from all corners of the world. You'll see some of these actors in upcoming awards season films and you will have seen some of them in current summer hits. We feel they all have one thing in common: uncommonly bright futures." Past honorees include many future Oscar-winners and nominees such as Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Patricia Clarkson, Samantha Morton, Lupita Nyongo, Michael Shannon, Melissa Leo and many others. This year's brightest bunch included Christopher Abbott, Bel Powley, Emory Cohen, Rebecca Ferguson, Thomas Mann, Jason Mitchell, Maika Monroe, Keith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson and Jessie Usher. We scored a group interview with Christopher Abbott, Bel Powley + Thomas Mann. Since appearing in Girls on HBO and Martha Marcy May Marlene, Abbott has starred in James White, and will soon be seen in Criminal Activities and Fun House. The breakout star of Diary of a Teenage Girl- Bel Powley, will soon appear in Drake Doremus' Equals, and as the titular character in Carrie Pilby...but here at the festival starred in A Royal Night Out. Thomas Mann starred in The Preppie Connection which premiered at the film festival here too. He was also the star of the Sundance hit Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and soon to be seen in Some Freaks. One of Spotlight Films, A Royal Night Out, with Bel Powley and Sarah Gadon was a HOOT! Set in 1945 when it's Victory Day in Europe, the two princesses Elizabeth and Margaret manage to break free of the monotony of palace life and celebrate the special occasion OUTSIDE in the real world. Leaving the King and Queen with promises to back by the bewitching hour, they run with their freedom in a most mischievous and celebratory manner. Roaming without the chaperones they escaped from, they go out on an unforgettable night of adventure, drinking and romance. The Short Films Student Showcase was sponsored by Bloomingdale's with support from the FOND Group and out of that handful was A BAND OF THIEVES (USA) - Director: Fidel Ruiz-Healy. We caught up with the exuberant Tyler Walker who gave us his summary - we couldn't help but notice that TWINKLE of enthusiasam in his eyes! The short version is> In an attempt to shake things up in her sleepy Texas town, teenage Josie and her sidekick go on a crime spree. (that there could explain the twinkle ; )

The new category of films which debuted this year was Compassion, Justice + Animal Rights that was presented by Best Friends Animal Society. We were lucky enough to catch up with Darcy Dennett at c/o Maidstone for an interview on her film The Champions which was awarded the Zelda Penzel Giving Voice to the Voiceless Award. This award is presented to a film that raises public awareness about contemporary social issues, including the moral and ethical treatment and the rights of animals as well as environmental protection. THE CHAMPIONS (USA) World Premiere is the powerful story of the brave individuals who rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted the pit-bulls from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's violent dog-fighting ring. Despite tremendous pressure from animal welfare organizations to euthanize these animals, a handful of men and women stepped in to give the dogs a second chance. With her inspiring documentary, first time filmmaker Darcy Dennett proves the power of resilience and addresses a variety of important issues, including the unfair stigma surrounding this misunderstood breed, the exploitation of animals for the sake of entertainment, and the way society is too quick to forgive its star athletes. Giulio Ricciarelli of LABRYNTH OF LIES sat down with us too for an impromptu interview at c/o Maidstone. His German film was one of the World Cinema Narrative Features premiering at the festival here. A quick summary...Johann Radmann is a recently appointed public prosecutor frustrated by the tedious traffic offenses assigned to him. When a local journalist tries to bring the crimes committed at Auschwitz to public attention, Radman takes on the case against the order of his supervisor. Fighting against ignorance and willful denial, his investigation uncovers the real horror and lasting wounds in 1958 Germany. Guilio Ricciarelli's moving and thought-provoking film is an artfully rendered account of the fight to identify, locate and bring the Nazis responsible to trial.

In Manhattan The 32nd annual Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala was held at Cipriani 42nd. The event raised more than $2 million for critical Alzheimer's care, support and research programs. Willie Geist, co-anchor of The Today Show and Morning Joe emceed the event, which included remarks from Gala General Chair and Founder Princess Yasmin Aga Khan (daughter of Rita Hayworth). Michele and Larry Herbert were honored with the Rita Hayworth Award. The Herbert's recently committed a substantial gift to create the Michele and Larry Herbert Younger-Onset Alzheimer's in Women Fund as part of the Alzheimer's Association Women's Alzheimer's Research Fund. which will support critical research into gender vulnerabilities in Alzheimer's and why woman are disproportionately affected by this disease. Later in the evening, CBS News correspondent Michelle Miller introduced B. Smith and Dan Gasby as they were honored with the Alzheimer's Association Champions Award for their dedication to the cause and for B.'s courage in announcing her own diagnosis. Notable attendees included: Daryl Simon (Gala Chair), Princess Yasmin Aga Khan (Gala Founder), Michele and Larry Herbert (Honorees), B. Smith and Dan Gasby (Honoree), Willie Geist (Emcee), Brooke Shields, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ray Kelly, Hunt Slonem, Patty Smyth McEnroe, Brendan Shanahan, Yaz Hernandez, Olivia Jordan, Robin Meltzer, Sharon Bush, Nicole Sexton, Jean Shafiroff, John and Margo Catsimatidis, Somers Farkas, Chele Chiavacci Farley, Margo Nederlander, Karyn Kornfeld, Carleton Varney, Harold Koda, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Anne Hearst and Jay McInerney. Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted its "Collaborating for a Cure" Benefit Dinner and Auction, honoring fashion designer John Varvatos, and featured a special musical performance by legendary American Singer-Songwriter John Fogerty at Cipriani Wall Street. The annual event, now in its eighteenth year, raised $2.5 million to support the Waxman Foundation's research efforts to produce a cure for cancer. Notable attendees included Dr. Samuel Waxman(Founder and CEO, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Michael and Elin Nierenberg (18th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Hosts); Chris Wragge (Co-Anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning); John Varvatos (Honoree; Fashion Designer John Varvatos); John Fogerty (Special Musical Guest); Spencer Waxman (President, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Cristina Cuomo (Presenter; Editor-In-Chief, Manhattan Magazine); Hugh Hildesley (Executive Vice President & Auctioneer, Sotheby's); Kenneth Fishel (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); David Hinkelman (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Howard Kurz (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Robert Kantor (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Howard Shlafmitz (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Baron Silverstein (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Mary Kantor (Honorary Board Member, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Dena K. Weiner (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Ruth Finley (Founder, Fashion Calendar); Coppy Holzman (Founder & CEO, Charity Buzz); David Burke (Chef, The Wayfarer) and Jean Shafiroff (Philanthropist). This year's event was attended by more than 750 corporate executives, board members and their guests. The money raised will support the Waxman Foundation's research efforts to produce a cure for cancer by reprogramming cancer cells and to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer. After the auction, guests were treated to an exclusive, live performance by John Fogerty, who performed hits from his solo career and from his legendary run as lead singer of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The Parrish Art Museum's Hamptons Holiday Party + Market over Thanksgiving weekend is always a super popular annual that includes in-house shopping at exclusive vendors, a festive benefit cocktail party with live music, yummy hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction - and this year book signings by New York Times food critic Florence Fabricant, artist April Gornik, fashion industry expert Fern Mallis and artist Clifford Ross. AERIN, Calypso St. Barth, The Golden Pear Cafe, Haverhill Fine Jewelry, Kinross Cashmere, LSC Designs Fine & Estate Jewelry, Naturopathica, and Stella & Ruby were all a part of the shopping spree benefit to support the museum's year round programs. Some of the guests attending were Deborah Bancroft, Jonathan Capehart, Cristina Greeven Cuomo and Christopher Cuomo, Andrea Greeven Douzet and Alexandre Douzet, Dana Hammond, the Hilton family inclding Barron, Kathy and Paris Hilton, the Lauder family including Aerin and Jo Carole, Charlene and James Nederlander, Laura Lofaro Freeman and James Freeman, Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder, Nicky Hilton Rothschild and James Rothschild and and plenty of others who came all came to The Hamptons for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend!! Ringing in the holiday season, Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack held its annual Festival of Trees + Lighting of the Vines Gala Cocktail Party. Merriment and singing around the designer decorated Christmas tree was followed by the count down to "Lighting of the Vines" when over 15,000 LED suddenly lit all lights covering the vineyard. Designer holiday wreaths were auctioned off to benefit "Fighting Chance" Cancer Counseling Center. $8,000+ raised for Fighting Chance from the Wolffer Wreath Auction. Local artists and businesses donated their artistic talents and Buckleys Flower Shop donated the wreaths for the most successful auction yet! Roman Roth performed "Santa Baby" in a duet with Vanessa Trouble and his daugher sang "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" with such tenderness.

The wintertime soiree LOVE BITES pulled in a good 400 guests who attended to support Katy's Courage, in memory of Katy Stewart and The Scarlett Fund, in Honor of Scarlett James; both charities benefiting Pediatric Cancer. Steve Long, President of Children's Museum of the East End, Nina Landi, Sag Harbor kindergarten teacher and Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, Co-Director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were the evening's honorees. Southampton Mayor Mark Epley and his wife Marianne served as Honorary Chairpersons. All honorees received plates especially designed by Scarlett James and Robert Stewart. The proceeds for Katy's Courage will benefit Katy's Kids @ CMEE, Center for Grieving Children and their Families. The Scarlett Fund proceeds are going to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Jim and Jessica Mackin who took this event under their umbrella and ran with it from day one. Chef Peter Ambrose served as the Chef Coordinator and Linda B. Shapiro coordinated the event with the assistance of Marla Schwenk, Auction Chair, Mark Masone, Decor Chair and the assistance of Jason Bencivenga/Party Up. The Hamptons' finest chefs, restaurateurs, caterers and private chefs hosted tables and served their signature dishes including: Chef Joe Realmuto, Chef Sam McClelland, Chef Cheryl Stair, Smokin' Wolf, Dina's Delights, Silver Spoon Specialties, Hampton Coffee Company, Erica's Rugelach and Baking Co., Golden Pear, Chef Joe Cipro, Saaz Indian Restaurant, The Greek Orthodox Church, Old School Favorites, Conca D'oro, Edgewater Restaurant, Hamptons Foodie, Ketchum Seafarm, La Superica, Cowfish and Rumba, Sea Bean Natural Foods, Old Stove Pub, Hampton's Racquet Club, Warren Bobrow, "the cocktail whisperer", Niche, Imperial Paper and Bag Company, At Your Service, Chopin Vodka and Martha Clara Vineyards. All in all with everyone's help and support over $50,000.00 was raised at the event! Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) marked its tenth anniversary with a dinner honoring high-level donors this March in The Gold Room at the Breakers Hotel. HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss hosted the event. Co-Chairs were Scott Snyder, William Flaherty and Susan Lloyd. The evening's program featured keynote speaker David Payne, the New York Times notable author who read from his recent best seller Barefoot to Avalon, a gripping memoir about his brother who struggled with bipolar disorder. HDRF neuroscientists and psychiatrists were seated at every table. Dr. Michael Meaney of McGill University, a world figure in neurobiology, gave an update on latest advances by the HDRF Depression Task Force, a unique collaboration of top researchers from across the US and Canada. The guests also enjoyed the ravishing setting of the Gold Room, decorated by Scott Snyder with lush fishtail palm trees and towering vases of forsythia. Votive candles in glass flutes seemed to float over the tables, covered in the organization's signature color of yellow and decorated with bowls of yellow calla lilies. The menu featured a crab cake and shrimp appetizer, followed by filet mignon, and finished with a dessert of hazelnut chocolate molten cake. Members of the Chairman's Council who attended were: James Borynack, George and Jane Bunn, Janet and JJ Cafaro, Denis and Annabelle Coleman, Luce Churchill, Mary and Marvin Davidson, Jackie Drake, Mark and Mary Frietas, Sarah Gates and Alexander Ives, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Eleanora Kennedy, Carole and John Moran, Barbara and Randall Smith, Robert Nederlander and Susan Keenan, and Lis Waterman.

Till next week we hope you enjoy TheHamptons.com scoop on People & Parties while we gather together more of this season's crop of galas & charitable events! Just look at our social calendar!! We encourage you to buy tickets to these terrific fundraisers that support your favorite charities - this is their big chance to raise tons of money for those worthy causes so they put out their BEST for you. Enjoy this high season...thehamptons.com will keep bringing you interviews and a whole lot more...just to name a few ; ) You'll find all the great parties from previous seasons AND the season before and so on & so forth...and get an idea of what to look forward to for this season's events PLUS you just might see yourself in one of them. As per our copyright notice for this entire website, all content, photos & videos are copyrighted to thehamptons.com. If you would like a copy of any photo or video from any of these events, please get in touch with thehamptons.com by emailing us at staff@thehamptons.com and THANK YOU for visiting : ) We will keep adding to this as we capture more great footage here & there...could by NYC or abroad as well as The Hamptons all year round! Autumn, Winter and Spring are very special here and that's why so many have lingered on and opted to become LOCALS!! Please come for a visit during each of those and find out why there is still so much to keep you here most all of the time. TheHamptons.com and @hamptonsmedia are invited to cover events here & there so keep us bookmarked and share w/your friends - please : ) We also now post fave fashion shots, fave recipes, fave places and a whole lot more #fave on pinterest.com/thehamptons so let us know if you want to pin on our boards!