Springtime is now finally giving way to SUMMER 2018 but having taken her sweet time! Maybe this summer will linger on generously as did last season's which was a blessing indeed. It is only now beginning to flip into gear with hues turning to brighter colors popping up here + there and that nip in the air gently fading for a hint of changing seasons. We left off here with videos and photographs from this past summer in The Hamptons while now heading into the festive holidays and a bright 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. This season in particular there seems to be A SWELL of new restaurants...this summer spans Hampton Bays to Montauk! Jobs Lane Gastro + Claude's both in Southampton, Eliaia Estiatorio in Bridgehampton, Bistro Ete + Calissa both in Water Mill, Centro Trattoria + La Fogata both in Hampton Bays, Lulu Kitchen + Bar and Ron Perlman's new Le Bilboquet both in Sag Harbor, Springs Tavern East + Harbor East + Eleven Madison Park Summer House + Cove Hollow Tavern in East Hampton, Wolffer Kitchen in Amagansett and Flagship Montauk in MONTAUK! 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 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!

On a Memorial Day Weekend that at times felt September-like, some of the warm and toasty moments were to be had at the burst of parties opening the high season! Amidst the sprinkling of family bbqs and private cocktail parties in between we went to one of our favorite annual events - the 6th Annual Animal Rescue Fund Designer Showhouse Cocktail Party and Sale at the ARF Thrift + Treasure Shop in Sagaponack. Mary McDonald was Honorary Chair and Co-Chairs were Gordon Hoppe, Gigi Mahon, Lisa McCarthy, Alex Papachristidis and Marshall Watson. Top interior decorators transformed the shop into a designer showhouse using furnishings from the shop and from their own collections. EVERYTHING was for sale and lots of melt-your-heart pets up for adoption! Showhouse Designers include: Rachael Ray Home, Irving & Fine for John Rosselli, Tamara Fraser, Worth Interiors, Cathy Kincaid, Cathy Kincaid Interiors, Richard Keith Langham, Jeff Lincoln, Jeff Lincoln Interiors, Kathryn's Flower Gardens, Ann Pyne of McMillen Inc., Iris Zonlight + Blue Ocean Design. Animal lovers abound in The Hamptons so another terrific fundraiser was Canines, Felines + Wines - the Fourth Annual Wine Tasting Benefit for Southampton Animal Shelter. Held on the grounds of the Southampton Historical Museum notables attending included Chuck Scarborough and Jean Shafiroff who are well known for their devotion specifically to our local shelter. Shelter HEROES Kate MacEntee and John McCann were on hand to do the honors and guests mingled outside enjoying live music and tasting a variety of wines while indulging in vegetarian bites and patting pups and some taking one home! The museum was partially open so guests could bid on the silent auction exhibited both inside and out. Across the street on Jobs Lane Dan's Papers were hosting their Inaugural "Rose Soiree" at the Southampton Arts Center It was their Summer 2017 Kickoff Event featuring 25+ roses, craft cocktails and beer, chef tastings and more.

JUNE ushered in a bevy of special annuals like The Hamptons Heart Ball plus their first after party aptly named Crash the Ball! Southampton Arts Center on Jobs Lane in Southampton again was a perfect location for the American Heart Association to hold their bigger than ever gala. This year's tent was so beautifully appointed and the whole evening was about as elegant as it gets out here. Open Your Heart Chairs were Jean Shafiroff + Martin Shafiroff and Co-Chairs were George Benedict + Aubrey C. Galloway, M.D. and Seymour Cohn. This year, the Heart Ball honored Lori Mosca, MD Professor of Medicine Emerita and Director American Heart Association Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network at Columbia University Medical Center and Ralph S. Mosca, M.D., George E. Reed, Professor of Cardiac Surgery, Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs, Division Director, Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital Of New York, NYU Langone Medical Center. The Village of Southampton will also be recognized for being a Heart Safe community. The 2017 Hamptons Heart Ball will be chaired by George Benedict, Chair Emeritus of the Board of Seafield Center and Aubrey C. Galloway, M.D., Seymour Cohn Professor & Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery NYU Langone Medical Center. The Hamptons Heart Ball is both chic and fun but focusing on raising funds for the mission of the American Heart Association. Friends and colleagues from NYC, Long Island and The Hamptons enjoyed the sumptuous affair while eating delicious heart healthy foods, drinking delightful local wines and dancing the night away to live music by That 70's Band! Over in East Hampton we attended the kick-off reception for the 3rd Annual Trunks of Love Benefit at the BEAUTIFUL Baker House 1650 on Main Street. Little side note - in the past East Hampton's Main Street was voted most beautiful Main Street in America by National Geographic! Hosted by the Award-Winning Baker House 1650 proprietor Antonella Bertello, the kick-off reception offered supporters the opportunity to meet and greet with Veterinarians International's veterinarians, nurses and ambassadors. The lovely outdoor reception featured wines provided by Wolffer Estate Vineyard, cocktails by Palm Bay International Inc., and hors d'oeuvres prepared by Gourmet Garage. In particular, saving elephants was at the crux of the fundraising. The real deal is in August but some of the cool silent auction items at both> a trip to Thailand with Dr. Magda to visit Veterinarians International's Asian Elephant Vet Care Program, a $10,000 value and artwork from Alexis Rockman and Paul Gerben. This year's event will honor Dr. Jane Goodall, considered to be the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees; Cornelia Guest,spokesperson for animal rights and creator of a line of cruelty–free handbags, vegan catering company and animal rescue sanctuary; and Penni Ludwig, who funded our two mobile elephant clinics. Pretty awesome for sure so add this one to your list of worth events to buy tickets to this summer!

Fog couldn't dampen Group for the East End's gala Swing into Summer at The Bridge hosted by Stephane Samuel & Robert M. Rubin! In Bridgehampton OF COURSE - The Bridge on Millstone Road is built on the old race track. The clubhouse for the golf club was designed by architect Roger Ferris and situated center for spectacular 360 degree views. Devoted environmentalists came for a scrumptious dinner prepared by The Bridge followed by internationally renowned DJ Sam French spinning his irresistible tunes keeping everyone on the dancefloor! Group for the East End Emcee Richard Kind helped get the auction rolling with some of the greatest items such as a Butterfield & Robinson bike tour through Portugal, Italian hand-crafted Bomber skis and tickets to the Tony-Award winning hit, Hamilton. Co-Chairs for this mega event were Katherine + Marco Birch, Elaine Crocker, Graciela + Munir Dauhajre, Grace Koo + Kerry Heffernan, Genevieve + Rob Lynch, Robbianne Mackin + Dave Jasper, Susan Abdalla + Peter Stern, Kim White + Kurt Wolfgruber and Donna Winston. Guests enjoyed plentiful hors d'oeuvres and bid on items in the exclusive auction until it was time to be seated at the colorful turquoise and parrot green tables under the beautiful lights. Robert Deluca's daughter gave us a terrific interview and her enthusiasm shows how wonderfully the torch can and should be passed from one generation to the next to save our island and community. Clean water was the theme of the year's special event and they brought in all the heads of the big organizations across the east end to drive that point home. Bridgehampton was hopping so we scooted over to Butter Lane for the 22nd Annual All Against Abuse Benefit - The Retreat's summer benefit gala A Night in HAVANA! The sold out event featured a performance by Maria Bacardi, live salsa music with Mambo Loco, Cuban inspired food by Art of Eating + Monte Carlo style gaming and late night DJ dancing! Contributing Plate Artists: Peter Dayton, April Gornik, David Joel, Barbara Maslen, Mae Mougan + Jaques Pepin. 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 - now how's that for a formidable team to help stop domestic violence?! The Retreat’s mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and to break the cycle of family violence. The Retreat is a safe haven for families in crisis on the east end. Since 1987, The Retreat has been providing domestic violence and sexual assault services and education to families, friends and neighbors on the East End of Long Island. Professionals and trained volunteers give clients the opportunity to safely heal and reestablish their lives, free from violence. It is a vital organization for families out here who are in dire straits and in serious danger.

The Jefferys hosted An Evening in Paris! - the Annual East End Hospice Summer Benefit at their extraordinary waterfront property in Quogue. The event to benefit a great cause that touches just about every family in the community was a fabulous evening which included cocktails + yummy passed hors d'oeuvres by the clam bar. A casino was set up in the back of the main tent to entice people to plunk down some extra dollars while having fun at their chance of winning! Guests could also bid on the silent auction set up by the main open bar with the gorgeous waterfront backdrop. The 18th Annual Dorothy Pell Savage Good Samaritan Award was presented to the 103rd Rescue Squadron who walked in paired with their spouses, partners and family. It was quite a sight to see all those men in uniform reminding you of just *who it is that is fighting for our country and our freedom to have these good times. Master of Ceremonies was Lucas Hunt and the elaborate catering by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs was complimented by the live music of Times Square Orchestra! The private road leading to the event was long and winding and beautiful and upon arrival it was truly a treasure to behold - the perfect sunset for the cocktail hour and then aptly turning to pink and golden skies just as guests were led from the outdoors into the tent for dinner. The first annual Polo Hamptons Match presented by Porsche and Social Life magazine and the Southampton Polo Club was held at Nova's Ark in Bridgehampton. Hosted by Christine Evangelista - actress and animal health and rights activist, the event celebrated Christine Evangelista's June cover story in the luxury lifestyle publication. Guests enjoyed a thrilling polo match, an open bar and an exclusive Laurent-Perrier champagne bar as well as delectable hors d'oeuvres during the course of what promises to be an unforgettable afternoon. Colorful players and colorful people all having a great time on a perfect summer afternoon. What a great way to get going for the evening ahead!

The Nature Conservancy Summer Gala is ALWAYS a glorious occasion - sometimes at a private home on a magnificent property and other times right at The Center for Conservation in East Hampton. This year's benefit was for Clean Water on Long Island. Honored Guest + Speaker was Lynn Scarlett, Global Managing Director of The Nature Conservancy speaking on "Our Water, Our Future" and April Gornik was the Celebrated Artist and Conservationist. Featuring the exhibition, "SACRED BALANCE" - a selection of works by artists in harmony with nature Curated by Beth McNeill-Muhs was paired with a jazz trio to entertain guests during the cocktail hour. A Sustainable Dinner by Glorious Food followed in the gorgeous tent set up in the garden. Despite the challenges our planet faces, The Nature Conservancy believes that nature and humanity will thrive together. They work with partners in more than 69 countries to conserve our planet for generations to come. On Long Island, they're restoring swimmable, fishable and drinkable waters - using science, cutting-edge technology, advocacy and public funding. The Summer Benefit is a major fund-raising event that helps the Nature Conservancy protect and manage Long Island's rich environment, including the wetlands, bays, harbors and forests that we all love. Capping the month and celebrating 4th of July a bit early was the 30th Annual American Picnic with Grucci Fireworks on Meadow Lane in Southampton to benefit the Fresh Air Fund. Really a bookended month because the super popular 25th Decorators-Designers-Dealers Sale, Auctions and Cocktail Party Gala started June off : ) SO MUCH happening for July 4th celebrations but most delayed special events until the following weekend allowing for families to carry on traditional festivities and beaching it on a long holiday weekend with THE most splendid of splendid weather prevailing with blue skies and plenty of sunshine! Whiff of grills fired up, sounds of fireworks popping, excited shouts from the carnival plus the parade in Southampton in all its glory brought families and friends and community together. The ocean finally warmed up enough to swim and paddle board and surf - but the bay beckoned with its calm, ten degrees warmer water! The sound of lapping waves whatever beach you chose was soothing to be sure and the water was like taking a mineral bath. Most all were rejuvenated and refreshed for the work week ahead : ) Yes, the sounds of helicopters and private jets were there too. 25 Years + 25 Films at HIFF, free screenings + 9th Annual SummerDocs Series KICK-OFF Hosted by Series Presenter + HIFF Co-Chairman Alec Baldwin will keep you going - so much more coming your way from The Hamptons International Film Festival because they're ONLY GETTING STARTED celebrating their 25th Anniversary!!

JULY fourth weekend got going with Guild Hall hosting their Season Spectacular with none other than acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children's book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker,lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist...Jay Leno! Guests were given a live performance followed by a lovely dinner at a patron's private home on a splendiforous property in East Hampton. Poor, poor Jay was refused to land his private plane at East Hampton airport because it was just TOO big so had to land in Westhampton at Gabreski! Yes, our air traffic out here in the summertime is at an all time high and the planes are growing in size...seriously. Philanthropist power couple Don + Katrina Peebles hosted Cocktails + Conversations in honor of the New York City Mission Society at their Bridgehampton home. The elegant but understated event benefited the Mission Society's programs and services, which help youth and families in our city's most underserved communities break the cycle of poverty and achieve success. As a member of the board, Katrina Peebles gave a touching speech about the society's mission to spur awareness and drum up more support. The host committee included the following supporters: Peggy & John Bader, B. Michael & Mark-Anthony Edwards, Missy Kilroy + Jay Moorhead, and Leah + Stanley Rumbough. Both as a couple and individually, Don and Katrina Peebles have an outstanding record of charity work. Mr. Peebles generally focuses his charitable work on empowering underprivileged youth with the tools they need to pursue entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, Mrs. Peebles usually focuses her charitable work on politics, art, and historic preservation. Together, Don & Katrina Peebles use their influence to help children and families. Some of the initiatives and organizations that have benefitted from their board service and fundraising include the YMCA of Greater New York, the Women's Cancer League, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and the campaigns of President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama, among others.

It was the Eighth Annual Unconditional Love Dinner Dance hosted by the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Board of Directors held at a beautiful oceanfront private home on Gin Lane! A full moon rising and splendid weather made for a beautiful evening at this gala honoring Jean Shafiroff and Sony Schotland. Jean Shafiroff has chaired the gala five consecutive years and managed to raise a whopping three plus million dollars just through the galas alone! Sony Schotland has dedicated 50 plus years to saving homeless pets and helped make the Southampton Animal Shelter private with a no-kill policy. Board President Jonathan McCann was on hand as was Emcee Chuck Scarborough along with his wife Ellen to greet animal devotees who all arrived enthusiastically to support the shelter...and some to bring home a new friend ; ) Chairmen of the event were Andrea + Alex Douzet, Missy Hargraves, Antonella Bertello, Marcy Warren, Ellen + Chuck Scarborough, Mollie Ruprecht Acquavella, and Michael Katz. We ran into Debby Hearst, Phil and Marion Piro with daughter Merrit and her good friend, Lisa Crawford with her kids Kingsley and John along with the whole family entourage! Everyone wearing smiles while playing with the puppies and oooh and awwhing over them. The new Mayor of Southampton, Michael Irving, was in attendance with his lovely wife Ellen as well as the previous mayor Mark Epley with wife Marianne. After the outdoor cocktail portion everyone gathered in the tent at their appointed tables for dinner catered by Pinch {yummm!} and Chris Norton provided the music with his band for live entertainment. A live auction from Katie Jacobs offered such tantalizing items as seven nights in a two bedroom luxury condo in Sun Valley Colorado; two night at The Victoria Hotel in Paris; two tickets to Billy Joel's sold out concert in August; two tickets to Late Night with Jimmy Falllon and loads more wonderful offers. Then it was on to CALIENTE! at another private home - in Bridgehampton!! Hosted by Maria and Kenneth Fishel + family and co-chaired by Shari Frank, Toni Herold, Toni Ross and Sharon Siegel, the evening featured Tito Puente, Jr. with his 8 piece band and DJ Super Dave. Top notch restaurants from around The Hamptons, Long Island and NYC sent their best chefs to cook up specialty dishes. The Seafood Shop, Little Red, Brooklyn Bakery, Hampton Coffee Company and even Carlyle on the Green (who were serving up lobster rolls as fast as they could make them) were just a smattering of the amazing food stations on hand to please any foodie - even a vegetarian or pescatarian like me! South Fork Bakery was one that stood out because it provides meaningful and supportive employment to local residents with disabilities. A full open bar front and center and silent auction tables set up at one end of the humongous tent while Tito Puente Jr played non-stop - until it was time for Richard Kind to do the honors for the evening. Then it was back to eating + drinking + dancing!! It was all a benefit for Long Island Cares - The Harry Chapin Food Bank and OLA of Eastern Long Island. Founded by the late, great musician Harry Chapin in 1980, Long Island Cares brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island and, to the best of our ability, provides for the humanitarian needs of our community. OLA, founded in 2002, is a nonprofit agency committed to promoting social, economic, cultural and education development within Long Island's East End Latino and Hispanic communities while building bridges within the larger East End community that help to foster understanding and harmony. Caliente! honored April Gornik, renowned artist and activist, and Minerva Perez, the Executive Director of OLA of Eastern Long Island and Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares. Academy and Tony Award winner Mercedes Ruehl served as Honorary Chair for the big night.

Sag Harbor was ABUZZZZ this weekend!! Bay Street Theatre held their 26th Annual Summer Gala - Rock the Dock! A 250' tent enveloped the Long Wharf on a most beautiful summer evening - the rainy day gave way to sunshine in the nick of time for the Saturday night parties. The evening begins with cocktails and a VIP presentation by leading stars (Past celebrities have included Julie Andrews, Alec Baldwin, Jason Alexander, Alan Alda, Nathan Lane, Billy Joel). Hosted by Scott Schwartz, Artistic Director and Tracy Mitchell, Executive Director - the evening started off with a VIP cocktail hour preceding a series of performances inside the theatre followed by a second cocktail hour in the billowing tent outside. Guests were encouraged to bid on the terrific auction items both listed in the Silent during the cocktail hour and then the Live Auction commandeered by the one and only Richard Kind. The fabulous auction offeored exciting travel packages, Broadway tickets and tours, Tesla and Maserati driving experiences, Tickets to our local Hampton Classic Horse Show and so much more. Dinner featured a performance by Kyle Barisch who sung "Night and Day" between funding moments, dessert and dancing! A cool dance troupe - Teresa Fellion Dance Company - carried on with BodyStories in front of the entrance to the tent mesmerizing guests as they waited in line for check-in. Betty Buckley, Lois Smith, David Caddick and Edward O'Blenis performed at the theatre portion and Presenter, Elizabeth Ashley, gave honoree Michael Wilson his award. Gala Chair was Bay Street Theatre Board Member Wahlquist. Honorary Chairs were Betty Buckley and Producer Daryl Roth and Emcee of the gala was Ashlie Atkinson. Honorees included Bay Street Theatre member Christine Wachter - Campbell + Bill Campbell, Patrons JC Compton + Nicholas Wentworth and Broadway Director Michael Wilson for Bay Street's Grey Gardens, Broadway's The Trip to Bountiful, and Enchanged April. Needles to say, it was A PACKED HOUSE! Last year's big tent benefit Party for the Park evolved into Celebration for the Cinema! Featuring Taste of Sag Harbor, live music from HooDoo Loungers, face painting for children, local wines from Bedell + Channing Daughters + Wolffer plus local beer - Clamrake Lager! The Sag Harbor Fire Department was there cooking up hot dogs + flipping burgers : ) Even the Wildlife Rescue Center was on hand with its grand raptors giving out the chance to pet or hold one if so brave. Lynn Matsouka was doing her rapid-fire portrait sketches while over 100 artists were featured in an Art Auction to raise more money critical to rebuilding the movie theater burned beyond salvage last December in a fast moving fire. Tickets sold out fast for this heart of Sag Harbor cause and all the locals came out for it in tandem with the summer tourists. The Sag Harbor Partnership (SHP), a group of committed community residents, started the urgent capital fundraising campaign to save the Sag Harbor Cinema pre-season. The monumental task is do fulfill their goal to purchase the property destroyed in the town's devastating December fire. Exciting new developments are happening daily. Emma Walton Hamilton and Steve Hamilton, founders of Bay Street Theater, have joined their Executive Committee. A dynamic and resourceful Advisory Board for the new Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center has been formed. Susan Lacy, creator of the American Masters series on PBS, has agreed to be its Director, and they've been joined by stage, screen and theater legend Dame Julie Andrews. Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker, renowned documentary filmmakers (The War Room, Monterey Pop, Don't Look Back) have also joined in, as well as character actor great Harris Yulin. From Hollywood, SHP has PR dynamo Shawn Sachs of Sunshine Sachs, as well as celebrity chef Katie Lee (The Kitchen) of both the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. The newest member of the Board is Jesse Matsuoka of Sen Restaurant. All members of the Advisory Board are deeply committed to our community - both April Gornik and husband Eric Fischl are a huge part of putting this together.

Over in Bridgehampton under another big, beautiful tent on the lovely Fairview Farms, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (RPAF) raised over $1.1 million at its annual ART FOR LIFE Benefit!! Proceeds from ART FOR LIFE benefit the Foundation's signature arts education and gallery programs, which have directly served tens of thousands of inner-city youth over the past 20 years. The private gala themed *Midnight at the Oasis* was hosted by Soledad O'Brien. The evening honored Former President Consumer Beauty Division, Coty Inc., Esi Eggleston Bracey; rapper, author and producer, Chuck D; Chief Brand Officer, Uber, Bozoma Saint John; former President of Programming, BET Stephen G. Hill, and 2017 Featured Artist, Sanford Biggers for their support of the arts, career achievements, and overall commitment to our communities. Russell Simmons hosted a unique live auction, which consisted of selling gold and blue balloons for $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 each, to support RUSH programs. The experience raised over $150,000 in just 7 minutes. Guests dined on an all-vegan menu created by Great Performances Chef De Cuisine Mark Russell, which featured chicken bites and waffles; torta panzanella with roasted, smoked and marinated vegetables; herbed polenta diamond and pasta Bolognese. After dinner, guests enjoyed a special performance by multiple-award winning artist and actress Cynthia Erivo, who sang "Let it Be", "Natural Woman", "I Won't Complain" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody". Chuck D and DJ Lord took the stage in a surprise performance closing with an inspirational performance of "Fight The Power". The Originals closed out the evening as guests, including Ming Lee + Aoki Lee Simmons, Lyor Cohen + Xin Li, Sherry Bronfman, Andre Harrell, Kevin Liles, Jason Binn, Stretch Armstrong, D-Nice, DJ M.O.S., DJ Cassidy, Fab Five Freddy, Chloe Flower, Star Jones, Clark Kent, Rich Medina, Elle Varner, Darrelle Revis, Joseph "Jojo" Simmons, Bevy Smith, Tony Touch, Simone & Dorian Missick, Clarissa + Edgar Bronfman, Harvey Spevak and more danced under the stars. Bridgehampton was hopping - celebrity model turned entrepreneur, Christie Brinkley hosted the 6th 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 with two of her children, Alexa Ray Joel and Jack Brinkley-Cook, and posed for pictures with Social Life Editor-in- Chief Devorah Rose and Dr. Nicholas Perricone while kicking up her leg to recreate her Social Life magazine photoshoot. Over 750 guests enjoyed Christie's Organic Prosecco, Bellissima, hors d'oeuvres provided by Carlyle Caterers, and gourmet hot dogs, hummus, cheese and charcuterie from Boar's Head Brand. They danced the night away to the smooth sounds of DJ Lee Kalt, perused and bid on the exciting items in the Go Charity silent auction, and sampled custom cocktails from Brinley Shipwreck Rum. Wearing a stunning all white outfit, Christie mingled and posed for selfies with fans, who were eager to learn more about her exclusive beauty lines, Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare and Hair2Wear. From across the street at everyone's fave Candy Kitchen, the crowd looked larger than ever!

The next weekend Audrey Gruss hosted a party to kick off the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) Second Annual WALK OF HOPE + 5K RUN to Defeat Depression that will take place on Saturday, August 5th at 9 a.m. in Southampton. Held at the home Audrey shares with her husband Martin Gruss in The Hamptons, the party was attended by Sharon Bush, Jay McInerney and Anne Hearst-McInerney, Judith and Rudy Giuliani, Hilary Geary Ross, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Caroline and Tom Dean, Billy and Debby Bancroft, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Tatiana and Campion Platt, and Walk of Hope Junior Chairs, siblings Toby Milstein and Larry Milstein. Midway through the party that was held around the Gruss' pool, surrounded by beautiful white hydrangea blooms, Audrey thanked guests for attending and said "Depression is the Number One cause of disability worldwide. HDRF is addressing the problem by conducting the most advanced brain research into depression." She acknowledged everyone's presence and committment to walk or run encouraging all to sign up in advance! The second annual Walk of Hope + 5K Run to Defeat Depression will be held on Saturday August 5th, 2017 around beautiful Lake Agawam. The USA Track and Field sanctioned event is family-focused and fun. Prizes will be awarded for best time in different age categories and for the top individual fundraiser and top fundraising team. All proceeds go directly to HDRF's advanced research. This year LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton celebrated the 90th birth year of Founder Jack Lenor Larsen during its annual fundraiser, Boom! The Cosmic LongHouse Benefit - netting approximately $500,000 for its public programs. Honoring Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation Curator Alexandra Munroe and Chinese "explosion event" artist Cai Guo-Qiang, the benefit also featured the talents of performers Gian Carlo Feleppa, The Brooklyn Peaches, Mohsen Namjoo and Royal Khaoz. Unfortunately, due to extremely dry weather conditions, Mr. Guo-Qiang's planned "Fountain of Color" daytime explosion event was not able to occur. Hundreds of LongHouse fans attended the "dress in white" event, with 400 supporters staying for a sit-down Global Dinner, which included fare from around the world, annual awards and scholarships and a special ice cream dessert in celebration of Mr. Larsen's 90th year. Some of the notable attendees included: Jack Lenor Larsen, Alexandra Munroe, Cai Guo-Qiang, Dianne B, Toni Ross, Alice Aycock, Bryan Hunt, Steve Miller, Fern Mallis, Robert Wilson, April Gornik, Lee Skolnick, Fred Thiele, Paul Goldberger, Bridget Fleming, Nicole Miller, Florence Fabricant, Faith Popcorn, Jack Youngerman, Susan Solomon, Sylvia Hemingway, and members of the Grucci Family, among others. LongHouse Reserve Creative Scholarship winners were also in attendance. Those local students - Karen Blandon (East Hampton High School), Sarah McErlean (Pierson High School), Jane Oglesby (Longwood High School), Brendan Powell (Pierson High School) and Tucker Marder (Carnegie Mellon University) - were recognized during the Global Dinner.

Well OCRFA did it again with their 20th Annual Super Saturday RAISING $3 MILLION DOLLARS for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance! This super duper, super stylish designer flea market sale was hosted by Donna Karan, Kelly Ripa, Gabby Karan de Felice, Molly Sims and Rachael Zoe in Bridgehampton attracting a mix of celebs, locals, summer tourists and shopaholics ; ) Right smack in the middle of the summer at the height of the season is always a good mark for pulling in the troops for a mighty cause. Guests in attendance were June Ambrose, Rodger Berman, Zoe Buckman, Luann D'Agostino, Ellen Karis, Judith and Rudy Giuliani, Fern Mallis, Carolyn Maloney, Jill Martin, Bibhu Mohapatra, Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, Tinsley Mortimer, David Muir, Marysol Patton, Mery Racauchi, Jenna Rose, Sundy Schermeyer, Rosanna Scotto, Brooke Shields, Scott Stuber, Eboni Williams, Alex Woo, and Chris Wragge. Super Saturday is OCRFA's day-long, guilt-free charity shopping event complete with designer items, kids' carnival and activities, and gourmet treats, and is one of the most fashionable and successful annual fundraising events in The Hamptons. OCRFA and QVC united once again for QVC Presents Super Saturday LIVE, a live broadcast offering viewers nationwide the chance to purchase premier beauty, jewelry, apparel and electronics at half the manufacturer's suggested retail price with proceeds to benefit OCRFA. "QVC Presents Super Saturday LIVE" has generated more than $11 million since 2007. In addition to shopping luxury designers at deep discounts for a great cause, Super Saturday guests were invited to; have their hair styled by Conair hair gurus, experience a Reiki session from Urban Zen, get a mani on Kendra Scott's manicab, make a flower crown at B Floral, snap a selfie with the Steven + Alexandra Cohen Foundation and Project Lyme, and spin with Northwell Health by hopping on a bike that creates artwork while you ride. Or kids were invited to Camp Divalysscious for puppet shows, glitter tattoos, dance parties, musical appearances, and story time. With the most anticipated element being the fashion designer sale, discounted merchandise from nearly 125+ prominent participants included: alice+Olivia, Bonpoint, Urban Zen, Brooks Brothers, Carolina Herrera New York, DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Kravet, L'AGENCE, French Connection, Ramy Brook, Robert Graham, Suite 1521, Sigerson Morrison, Theory and Vilebrequin. Hayground School celebrated its 13th Annual Great Chefs Dinner in Jeff's Kitchen at the Hayground School with Chef Tom Colicchio and Nick + Toni's Toni Ross hosting a farm-to-table benefit dinner which honored Bill Telepan (Executive Chef Oceana and Wellness in the Schools) and Tinka D. Topping (Hayground Founding Member). Eleven Chefs including Arjun Achuthan(Haygound School); Josh Capon(Lure Fishbar, Bowery Meat Company); Michael Cavaniola(Cavaniola's Gourmet); Claudia Fleming (North Fork Table& Inn);Roger Martinez(Il Buco); Christian Mir(Stone Creek Inn); Garrison Price(Il Buco Alimentari& Vineria); HillarySterling(Cook Shop, Vic's); Trevor Swope(Dock to Dish); Joe Realmuto(Nick and Toni's& Townline BBQ), and Jason Weiner (Almond, L&W Oyster Company) prepared THE perfect evening for a group of 150 modern food cognoscenti. Hilaria and Alec Baldwin, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Tony Hitchcock, Alan Patricof, Nisa and Jeffrey Tannenbaum, Stuart Suna and Jon Snow were just a handful of the special guests who came out in support of Hayground and Jeff's Kitchen and the remarkable honorees. Guests enjoyed a variety of locally grown hor d'oeuvres at the cocktail portion of the event where Josh Capon served Chilled Fishers Island Oysters with Pineapple Cucumber Salsa, Chilled Kushi Oysters with Jalapeno Ponzu, Uncle Arthur's Chilled Littleneck Clams with Hot Sauce and Lemon. Michael Cavaniola provided anartisanal cheese selection and Arjun Achuthan made wood fired flatbreads in the Hayground wood-fired oven with Hayground student chefs (some topped with summer corn + personally my favorite). Roger Martinez served figs, ricotta, marcona almond and aged balsamic. Trevor Swope provided Montauk Crudo of Citrus Cured Local Fish while Jason Weiner prepared beet and cucumber gazpacho with smoked bluefish and horseradish (which he also prepared on Good Day New York, earlier in the week). A live auction hosted by Charles Antin of Lot 1 Auctioneers included some very exciting packages, including a package of gift certificates to some of New York City's most renowned restaurants courtesy of chef Bill Telepan's close friends and colleagues. The Island of Mustique - Villa America winner received one week on the exclusive island of Mustique in the Caribbean archipelago, a fabulous contemporary hillside villa with sweeping sea-views across the Northern Grenadines. The Ultimate Nick& Toni's Package winner received dinner and wine for six guests at Nick& Toni's in East Hampton and an invitation for four to the opening night at Coche Comedor, the newest culinary destination by the Nick& Toni's team. Additionally, they will receive a reservation at Nick& Toni's once a week from August through Labor Day weekend for up to four people. Another winner received a Chefs Tasting Menu for 6 at Le Bernardin, including a menu hand-picked by Chef Eric Ripert with wines selected by Sommelier Aldo Sohm. In a surprise addition, the highest bidder won complimentary reservations to the re-opening of the winner of World's Best Restaurant: Eleven Madison Park. Ella Engel-Snow and Jaja Engel-Snow, granddaughters of Tinka Topping gave a moving tribute. Honored for being one of Haygound's founding members and devotion to children's education, Topping is a champion for children's education and the right to learn; she supports the implementation of new, exciting, alternative ways to educate school children. Tinka also has been an active and vocal proponent of preserving farmland and open space, vital to the environment and way of life on the East End.

Several hundred people came together for the 13th Annual A Hamptons Happening hosted by CBS 2 News anchor Chris Wragge at the Bridgehampton estate of Maria and Kenneth Fishel. Celebrating culinary excellence, philanthropy and science for a cancer cure, the annual summer gala benefits the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) research programs. This season's event marked the announcement of two new SWCRF research grants and closed with exciting performances by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright and recording artist Sophie Beem, a protege of Beyonce. With an almost full moon rising outside, inside the tent tables were cheerfully done with bright yellows and greens with gorgeous flowers EVERYWHERE! Featuring boutique style stations with positively delicious single portion servings from leading chefs and restaurants - food and beverage brands from both New York City and The Hamptons presented their finest. Everything from mini blini with salmon and creme fraiche to expansive dessert tables complete with macarons - guests could go back and forth and stop by the barin between bites : ) Supporters bid on exciting auction items and danced to today's hottest tunes, all the while collaborating to fund science's quest for a cure for cancer. Guests bid on a wide range of covetable items and experiences in the A Hamptons Happening silent auction, including cashmere loungewear from Arlotta Cashmere, electric-powered children's cars donated by Mercedes Benz Southampton, a $5,000 dinner package at Il Buco, a 24-hour ultimate Tesla experience, dinner for 12 with two bottles of wine at Trattoria L'Incontro, and stylish sunglasses and a shopping party at Alice & Olivia, among many other items. Notable attendees included: Lori Stokes, Sharon Wilkes Kinberg + Robert Kinberg, Sybil + David Yurman, Elin + Michael Nierenberg, Maria + Kenneth Fishel, Sandy + Marc Taub, Pamela Morgan, Norena Barbella, Laurie Schaffran, James Frankel, Lewis A. Rubin, Gary Jacob, Bettina + Spencer Waxman, Julie and Scott Waxman, Ann Liguori, Scott Vallery, Bobbie Lloyd, Mark Petracca, Shep Gordon, Margaret Hayes, Gabriel Kreuther, Marion Waxman, Samuel Waxman, M.D., William T. Sullivan, Cesar Ricci, Karen Amster-Young, Chris Arlotta, Jake Croman, Erica Linden-Fineberg, Jacob Frisch, Jessica Mackin-Cipro, Jennifer Saraf Myles, Glenn Myles, Sarah + Chris Wragge, Elle Winter + Jake Taub. The delicious tasting stations surrounding honoree Chef Gabriel Kreuther's showcase of cuisine and desserts included an array of popular restaurants, chefs and spirits brands - some of which were The 21 Club; Calissa, Chef Dominic Rice; Centro Trattoria and Bar; Eataly; The Golden Pear, Keith Davis; Chef Gabriel Kreuther; Manna, Chef Marco Barrila; Neuman's Kitchen, Paul Neuman; Saaz Indian Restaurant, Sameer Mohan; Seafood Shop, Colin Mather; and The Union League Club, Russell Rosenberg. Probably one of our MOST FAVORITE benefits of the summer is the annual Through Farms and Fields for Peconic Land Trust! This year it was once again hosted by Evelyn + John L. Halsey, Jennifer + Craig Halsey Dupree and Amy + Austin Halsey-Cohn honoring the "Conservation Dedication" of Kathleen King. Yes, that IS the Kathleen of Kathleen's Cookies later renamed after her father, Tate. Her brother, Richie King, who still runs the family farm where Kathleen first started baking those million dollar cookies was Master of Ceremonies. Held at the Halsey's Whitecap Farm in Water Mill the ticket price tier was aptly named Conservation, Land Steward, Benefactor, Patron, Friend or Individual and drew a large crowd of close-knit farm families, locals from all the hamlets and smart people who care about farming and land preservation. Other incredibly beautiful locations with spectacular views for Through Farms and Fields have been held at Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett, McCall Ranch in Cutchogue, Ward's Point in Shelter Island, The Port of Missing Men in North Sea, Ocean View Farm in Bridgehampton, Channing Sculpture Garden in Bridgehampton, Wild Ocean Farm in Bridgehampton and Galban Barn in Sagaponack. A pretty amazing list of remarkable places to sit and have a really fresh farm to table dinner : ) John Halsey, President of the Peconic Land Trust, knows how to find just the perfect place for a farm supper from a selection of extraordinary spots around our south fork. Supper by Art of Eating was scrumptous and hors their d'ouevres were original and savory but the dessert was as fine a finish as ever could be - Black Pepper Brioche, Milk Pail Blueberries, North Fork Raspberries topped with Joe + Liza's Buttermilk Gelato!! That should give you an idea of how special the menu was for this fresher than fresh just picke farm supper. Guests were greeted with bright sunflower yellow parasols - always a favorite party favor to take home later. This year the full moon was rising as sun was setting in the corn fields. Guests also bought raffle tickets for prizes drawn later in the evening. The signature cocktail for Through Farms and Fields was called The Apple Wagon since the Halsey Family hosts own the Milk Pail on Montauk Highway in Water Mill too! Absolutely refreshing and super tasty - it's made with Long Island Old Tymer Moonshine, Apple Pie Liqueur and Wolffer White Dry Cider. Thirsty yet? ; ) Kathleen made a very touching, tearful speech thanking everyone and sharing the honor with all the other farming families naming most all of them one by one. Her niece - Richie King's daugther, Julia King, gave a very special performance and sang her song that's on Pandora called The Farmer's Daughter - a bluesy country song. The John Ludlow Trio provided music during the rest of evening. Some familiar faces included Steve Storch and Joanne Halsey, Bill and Louise Koral, Mark and France Borucke, Vinny McGann and Anne Welker with Welker family entourage and loads of others!

AUGUST rang in with what could be their biggest ever for Southampton Hospital and that's a great thing for all of us who live here on the east end - particularly our south fork. Benefit Chairs Bill Ford and Marigay McKee, Terrence McNally and Tom Kirdahy, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's Chief Administrative Officer Robert Chaloner, and Southampton Hospital Foundation President Steve Bernstein welcomed 700 supporters to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's 59th Annual Summer Gala. The night raised more than $1.5 million to provide support for the Jenny + John Paulson Emergency Department, the sole provider of emergency care on the south fork, treating more than 25,000 people annually. The festive evening was emceed by Fox 5 Good Day New York host Greg Kelly and brought out supporters including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and wife Hilary Geary Ross, Southampton Village Mayor Michael Irving and wife Ellen Irving, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Margo and John Catsimatidis, Julie Ratner, Douglas Elliman Real Estate Chairman Howard M. Lorber, who is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Foundation, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Association Chairman Kenneth Wright, and Stony Brook University President Dr. Samuel Stanley. The evening's Honorary Chair was Georgina Bloomberg, and former event Chairs in attendance included Jean Fitzsimmons, Jean Shafiroff and husband Martin Shafiroff, and Audrey Gruss and husband Martin Gruss. The tent was magically transformed by Lawrence Scott Events with lavish buffets decorated with delicate blooms and dramatic table centerpieces of white roses, while music from the Groove Society kept everyone dancing. After Mr. Kelly welcomed guests, he asked Mr. Chaloner to the stage, who revealed that after a decade of discussion, Southampton Hospital was officially a part of the Stony Brook Medicine health care system, which allows patients at the hospital access to significant resources and advanced technology. The collaboration includes a new cardiac catheterization laboratory, part of The Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart & Stroke Center and the Phillips Family Cancer Center, which will make top-level cancer care more readily available to East End residents. Voss Foundation held its third annual Women Helping Women Hamptons Luncheon at Gabby Karan De Felice's restaurant Tutto il Giorno for over 90 guests. Notable attendees included Gabby Karan De Felice, Cristina Cuomo, Paola Bacchini Rosenshein, Yana Balan, Diana Buxton, Lydia Carlston, Sophie Elgort, Pamela Fiori, Lindy Gad, Kara Gerson, Andrea Greeven Douzet, Melinda Hackett, Nina Griscom, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Jane Karsh, Sandy Leong, Dorothy Lichenstein, Jen Marden, Jessica Mezzacappa, Marisa Rose van Bokhorst, Kelli Shaughnessy and Deborah Srb. Tables were laiden with handmade candles, objets d'art, scarves, homeware and toys purchased directly from communities where the organization works. Guests shopped Voss Foundation's celebrated bazaar before being seated outside where rain thankfully held off. Veteran fashion entrepreneur, Frederick Anderson, served as master of ceremonies. He praised Voss Foundation for their unwavering dedication to approaching the African culture with pride and truly listening to the needs of African people. Anderson then introduced Mariama Camara, the 1st honoree of the event and praised her extensive efforts to give back to the women of her birthplace through employment in her company, Mariam Fashion Production and speaking out of behalf of the underserved at the United Nations. Camara graciously accepted the honor and recalled starting co-founding The Is No Limit Foundation with her sister with only $18. Experiencing the generosity of people to willingly share what little they have has made her determined to help women gain access clean water and a healthier life. The 2nd honoree of the day, Krista Krieger, co-founder of Empowers Africa, has long been involved with Africa with grants having been given to over 35 organizations to aid in areas of healthcare, education, small business development, wildlife protection and land conservation. Krieger has traveled throughout Africa extensively and was honored by Applause Africa with its African Diaspora Award. Combined ticket sales, dedicated project donations and Bazaar purchases totaled over $35,000.00. VOSS water, Tutto il Giorno, Purist Hamptons Magazine, Empower Cocktails and Chateau Ste Michelle all helped make that happen. Voss Foundation is dedicated to providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene as a means to enable community-driven development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and raising awareness of the ongoing need in the region.

The third annual Trunks of Love Gala was held at Dopo LaSpiaggia in East Hampton. Trunks of Love benefits Veterinarians International - a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the health of humans, animals, and the environment through the use of sound veterinary care and expertise. Hosted by Katie Cleary of World Animal News with Emmy nominated actor Dwayne Hill and actress Christine Evangelista, the Trunks of Love gala featured interactive exhibits and a stunning exhibit, Half Remembered Past by National Geographic Explorer Asher Jay during cocktails with a silent auction. A seated dinner presented by Dopo La Spiaggia's Chef Maurizio Marfoglia followed with a live auction taking place during dinner with items such as a trip to Thailand with Dr. Scarlett Magda to visit Veterinarians International's Asian Elephant Vet Care Program, a $10,000 value and artwork from Alexis Rockman and Paul Gerben. This year's event honored Dr. Jane Goodall, considered to be the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees; Cornelia Guest, spokesperson for animal rights and creator of a line of cruelty-free handbags, vegan catering company and animal rescue sanctuary; and Penni Ludwig, who funded our two mobile elephant clinics. A few of the evening's special guests were Bruce Weber and Nan Bush, Jane Gill, Nellie Sciutto, Stewart Shining, James Hammond, Pamela Lubell, and model Missy Hargraves. The evening introduced two new programs: Healthy Pets in Chile and Guatemala, which provides veterinary services to low-income families; and Women, Goats and Peace in Kenya, offering veterinary care to the goats and donkeys of 265 families living in arid, impoverished landscapes. A kick-off reception was hosted in early June on the gorgeous grounds of the Award-Winning Baker House 1650. East Hampton was the place to be this weekend because Guild Hall's Annual Summer Gala was held at the same time and the following evening Authors Night benefit for the East Hampton Library was happening too! Alec Baldwin was a busy guy this weekend as the Founder of this annual literary extravaganza plus as a huge donor on hand for Guild Hall and while simultaneously doing the honors as Co-Chairman of The Hamptons International Film Festival! That's besides his full time acting career. A VIP Museum Preview of Avedon's America Exhibition at Guild Hall was followed by cocktails and dinner at a private home nearby. After that it was their infamous Live Auction of top tier art and dancing the rest of the night away. The Avedons were clearly in the house! Caroline Avedon, Laura Avedon, Martin Avedon, Michael Avedon and William Avedon were all present. Steve + Lucy Cookson, Alec + Hilaria Baldwin, Eric Fiscl + April Gornik, Stewart Lane + Bonnie Comley, Arcamanora Niles, Iris Smyles, Barton + Jane Shallot, Charles Brock + Michele Cohen, James Martin, Christina Strassfield, Priyanka Chopra, Richard + Florence Fabricant, Edward + Pamela Pantzer, Bonnie Lautenberg + Michael Lynne were some of the other GH supporters who came out for the fabulous gala!

The East Hampton Library presented their 13th annual Authors Night event at a field on Maidstone Lane in East Hampton Village. More than two thousand people came out to meet and mingle with one hundred authors, buy their books and have them personally inscribed at this lively cocktail party, with all proceeds benefitting the East Hampton Library. Authors Night Honorary Founding Chair: Alec Baldwin; Honorary Co-Chairs: Hilaria Baldwin, Robert A. Caro, Dick Cavett, Peter Marino, Malcolm Nance, Jessica Seinfeld, Stephen Kennedy Smith, Elizabeth Vargas were all on hand as well. Notable attendees included Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, shoe designer Steve Madden, actress Tovah Feldshuh, Gov. George Pataki, Peter Cook, and Dylan Lauren. The evening began with the Authors Book Signing Reception under the tent on the Gardiner Farm, where guests enjoyed delectable hors d'oeuvres and sipped wine while having the unique opportunity to meet and mingle with the hundred plus authors, buy their books and have them personally inscribed. Twenty private dinner parties - hosting 600 dinner guests - each featuring one or more of the guest authors, followed the reception at the respective hosts' homes. Participating authors included Alan Alda, James Barron, Ann Brashares, Norm Champ, Tom Clavin, Blanche Wiesen Cook, Laura Dave, Elliott Erwitt, Florence Fabricant, Laurie Gelman, Stacey Griffith, Stone Grissom, Alex Guarnaschelli, Marissa Hermer, Eric Kandel, Robyn Lea, Jeffrey Lyons, Kati Marton, Alyssa Mastromonaco, Kathy McKeon, David Monn, Steven Lee Myers, David Netto, Owen Pataki, Pamela Paul, Holly Peterson, Elisabeth Rosenthal, Wade Rouse, Jennifer Ash Rudick, David Salle, Jill Santopolo, Marvin Scott, Jean Kennedy Smith, Marshall Watson, Chris Whipple, Beatriz Williams. Authors Night proceeds are used for essential programs and services at the Library throughout the next year. Honorary Chairs Kim White Wolfgruber and Kurt Wolfgruber opened their home and beautiful garden to host the summer soiree aptly named Roses + Rose, benefitting the Southampton Rose Society. Party Chair was Sean MFK Bruns of Old Town Crossing and was sponsored by Stoli, Wolffer Estate Vineyard and Beach magazine. Both the new Mayor Michael Irving and his wife Ellen Irving arrived by golf cart (as did everyone) riding up the long driveway leading up to the tent decorated with bright pink tablecloths and roses everywhere. Maggie Kirkbride, Laura Walker Danforth, interior decorator Libby Langdon, Greg D'Elia, Diane Vahradian, Pat Hodges and Cornelia Bostwick were just some of the guests we bumped into while sipping some lovely, fruity new wines in the rose family. The Southampton Rose Society is an organization dedicated to beautifying the Village of Southampton by maintaining five public gardens including the magnificent Rose Garden at the Rogers Memorial Library. The SRS also offers numerous educational lectures by some of the world's most famous rosarians, gardeners, photographers and perfumers.

The Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons hosted the Bow Wow Meow Ball honoring Nan Bush and Bruce Weber as long-time ARF supporters who have incorporated their love for animals - including ARFans - into their celebrated projects in film and photography over the course of their 45-year collaboration. Katharina Otto-Bernstein and Peter Marino presented the ARF Champion of Animals Award to Nan Bush and Bruce Weber as devoted and loyal friends. Held at ARF's 22-acre campus in Wainscott guests were shuffled up the drive by a fast moving line of golf carts so seemlessly there was no waiting! Upon arrival we were greeted by THE most adorable pair of puppies who had just been saved from a kill shelter in South Carolina. Their names were Rico + Gina - one was deaf and the other was blind but they shared a special bond taking care of each other as a duo - I daresay with perhaps a little great dane in their beautiful mix and markings! A long line of gorgeous dogs were on the welcoming line leading up the bar. Sustainable fish and vegan specialties were served outside the dinner tent within an elegant setting created by David Monn and Alex Papachristidis. After dinner the party continued with dancing to music by the Peter Duchin Orchestra. Over 400 high-profile guests from New York and The Hamptons turned out and all ages for this magical night! All proceeds benefitted ARF as a regional leader in New York for the rescue and adoption of cats and dogs. The animals in ARF's care come from animal control centers, puppy mill rescue efforts, and from people who can no longer care for their pets. In 2017, ARF will intake over 1,700 dogs and cats at its state-of-the-art Adoption Center. ARF provides full medical care - including spaying and neutering - to all its animals in addition to humane care for their basic needs. Once medically evaluated and socialized the dogs and cats are made available for adoption at its Adoption Center and through its mobile adoption van and offsite events held across the greater New York region. Since its inception, ARF has rescued more than 25,000 cats and dogs and placed them with loving families. The evening included a live auction with Auctioneer Benjamin Doller, a Vice Chairman of Sotheby's, a silent auction and an online auction with charitybuzz.com. Experiences and packages include a pair of premier seats with a meet and greet, and dinner backstage with Paul McCartney for his Friday, September 15, concert at Madison Square Garden; lunch for four with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi; golf at the exclusive Maidstone Golf Club; and New York Knicks Game Experience which includes two tickets, gift bags, and meet and greet with Knicks Legends and a viewing of the "closed to the public" pre-game warm up on the court. 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 Leslie Alexander and Liz Brown at their beautiful private residence in Southampton and honored Dr. Justin + Amy Molnar and the whole staff at Shinnecock Animal Hospital. Guests enjoyed live music along with cocktails and light #vegetarian fare. All guests were welcome to the cocktail party featuring live animals. Notable attendees included Ginni Frati, Shelley Berkoski, Liz Brown, Leslie Alexander, Amy Molnar, Dr. Justin Molnar, Ken Molnar, Amanda Daley, Kristina Lewan, Amber Eichner, Jake Zamansky, Gabriela Aran, Dennis Aran, Howard Lorber, Curtis and Amanda Polk, Dorothy Frankel, Dan Finta, Isabel Van Linden, Asia Lee, Benita Matthes, Pat Treu, and Rob Doty. The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, Inc., Eastern Long Island's only wildlife hospital, is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the rehabilitation of wild animals impacted by encroachment of humans on their habitat. It is a grass roots organization that grew from a few concerned friends to a group of over 3,000 members and supporters. The center is a full-time professional wildlife hospital staffed by licensed rehabilitators, biologists, animal behaviorists and volunteers. Over 300 people have been trained to assist in wildlife rescues. The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center is located on Munn's Pond Park through a cooperative licensing agreement with Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The center is situated on a greenbelt of public land parcels totaling several thousand acres and stretches from Tiana Bay to Peconic Bay located on the eastern end of Long Island, NY. This is a unique and irreplaceable ecosystem consisting of salt and fresh water wetlands, Pine Barrens, deciduous forest and meadowland. Thus, it is the perfect setting for a wildlife rehabilitation center. The hospital is designed exclusively for wild animals. Unlike a veterinary hospital, there are no ambient noises or smells to stress the wildlife that are recovering within. Benefit Committee for Get Wild! was Ingrid Edelman, Jane Gill, Aleksandra Kalielwicz, Linda Lambert, Maryann Marston, Avis Richards, Ellen + Chuck Scarborough, Marcy Warren, Fabienne Le Cole and Eileen Miller.

Topping out the month Peconic Baykeeper's summer gala - Cocktails to Save Our Water was a huge success again this year. The celebration was generously hosted by one of the benefit committee members at an oceanfront home in Fordune, Southampton. The stunning location could not have provided a better setting for the event even if a bit foggy! More than 150 guests - some of whom included John and Lisa Rose, Artist Melinda Hackett and hubby, Kathleen King, Mark Fabry, Annie Falk, Chuck and Ellen Scarborough as well as all important board members Diana Taylor, Executive Director and Baykeeper Sean O'Neill, Maureen Sherry. Gabrielle Bacon, Nancy Hebert, Kim White and Phyllis Toohey all came out to support this important organization to save our bays and fresh water. In addition to raising awareness of the alarming array of threats to local waters, the event helped to raise critical funding for our clean water mission. Drinkable, swimmable and fishable water is your right and Peconic Baykeeper is proud to be our clean water advocate and are at bat for us with new Executive Director and Baykeeper Sean O'Neill who knows the right agenda. The 42nd Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show rounded out August opening on a beautiful summery day and managed to stave off once again another hurricane! Thankfully Harvey only blew through with lighter winds than expected and barely any rain for Grand Prix Sunday. This year the Hampton Classic Horse Show featured more than 200 classes of hunter, jumper and equitation classes for horses and riders of all ages and abilities. They competed in six beautifully manicured show rings across 60 acres. Riders from twelve nations, including  Olympic and World Cup champions, competed in four FEI classe that  culminated with a brilliant win by Israel's Daniel Bluman riding Ladriano Z in the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI presented by SOVARO. Bluman also won two other FEI classes - the $86,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier CSI presented by Longines, and the $40,000 SOVARO Speed Stake; both of these wins came with Bacara d'Archonfosse. Ireland's Richie Moloney proved that consistent results yield big returns as he earned the $30,000 Longines Rider Challenge as tClassic's leading open jumper rider. Moloney received a lovely Longines timepiece and a check for $30,000. In the five years the award has existed at the Classic, Moloney has won it four times. Of the 31 world-class horses in the Grand Prix, only three advanced to the jump-off with clean rounds over the course designed by Alan Wade of Ireland. After an early clear by Brianne Goutal of Royal Palm Beach, FL, on Nice De Prissey, reigning Longines FEI World Cup Champion, and six-time Hampton Classic Grand Prix champion, McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, assured a jump-off with a clean round on HH Callas, much to the joy of the excited crowd that filled the VIP stands and bleachers all around the ring. When Bluman, who entered the ring third-to-last, jumped a clean round, the crowd went wild. The jump-off turned out to be all about strategy and precision. All three riders received Longines watches and beautiful soft sided coolers from SOVARO. In a moving tribute prior to the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix, the Hampton Classic honored Brianne Goutal's long-time mount Onira with a beautiful retirement ceremony in the Grand Prix ring. Jimmy Fallon was among many celebrities who attended the Hampton Classic where his picture was snapped with Hampton Classic President Dennis Suskind, Executive Director Shanette Cohen and ringmaster Alan Keeley!  Other celebs at this year's Classic were Mariska Hargitay, Brooke Shields, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Michael Bloomberg, Ramona Singer and LuAnn de Lesseps, Donna Karan, James Lipton, and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Labor Day Weekend started with Southampton Arts Center hosting the SummerFest Culinary Arts Festival to celebrate their milestone fifth season. The annual event was the most successful to date, raising over $450,000 to support world-class exhibitions and 120-plus programs annually, many of which are free of charge. This year SAC honored its visionary Co-Chair Simone Levinson with the Champion of the Arts Award. Simone Levinson and her husband David are part of the original Founders Circle, and she has served as a Founding Board Co-Chair for the past seven years. Additionally, former Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley was acknowledged with a special tribute for his unending support. The honorees along with event chairs Anke Beck-Friedrich and Juergen Friedrich, Tiffany and Claus Moller, and Connie Tarrant were joined by distinguished guests Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and his wife Hillary, Jenny and John Paulson, Bob Colacello, Lisa Dennison, Marigay McKee and Bill Ford, Edwina von Gal, Holly Peterson, Henry Buhl, Jean Shafiroff, Diana and Joe DiMenna, Kara Ross, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Michael Halsband, Lise Evans, Steven Gambrel, Marjorie and Josh Harris, Dayssi and Paul Kanovos, former Congressman Tim Bishop and his wife Kathy, Renee Harbers Liddell and Chris Liddell, David Kratz and Greg Unis, and newly elected Southampton Village Mayor Michael Irving and his wife Ellen. Guests were greeted on arrival with a performance art installation on the front steps by Brian O'Mahoney entitled cats sleep anywhere, made up of 80 white pillows and a napping O'Mahoney in their midst, made possible thanks to The Watermill Center, a regular programming partner. Attendees strolled through the galleries enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres while viewing the popular portrait exhibition ABOUT FACE, presented by New York Academy of Art and curated by musician/artist Scott Avett and Academy President David Kratz, and then had the unique opportunity to view Academy alumni sketching live models in The Studio @ SAC //a very cool concept we might add : ) The event continued outdoors with sumptuous tastings from a host of celebrated restaurants and chefs across the East End including EMP Summer House, Topping Rose House, Tutto il Giorno, Sant Ambroeus, RedBar & Little Red, Union Cantina, Le Charlot, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, Citarella, and many more, plus a rose bar hosted by Bottle Hampton, a large illuminated full bar, and strolling GORGEOUS servers with cocktail backpacks filled with vodka and tequila concoctions made with Juice Press Watermelon and GLO juices. Oh yes, we had to try that!! The festive decor was executed by Frank Alexander, enhanced by staffing and additional catering from Tastings. Everyone went home with a goody bag- a napsack with the SAC logo on it filled with some tasty treats and smart products and a Beach magazine.

East Hampton was the cornerstone commemorating the monumental occasion celebrating the Hamptons International Film Festival's 25th Silver Anniversary with Co-Chairs Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro, Chairs Emeriti Toni Ross + Stuart Match Suna, Executive Director Anne Chaisson and Artistic Director David Nugent at the helm having pulled together a very special festival this year. Last year it was Hurricane Matthew and this year it was Nate threatening to intercept the big 25 for HIFF but thankfully fell apart just in time! The Hamptons International Film Festival opened with warm, summer-like weather which held for the better part of the festival. Perfect for outside lines and film-hopping! With emphasis on local flavor, local artist Eric Fischl was selected for his splendid poster dedicated to twenty-five consecutive years of celebrating the film industry here in The Hamptons. There was A Pre-Opening Toast Poster Exhibition at Mulford Farm to exhibit these past 25 years of artists' posters which was very cool. Our local Bridgehampton High School basketball team was documented in Ben & Orson Cummings' film - KILLER BEES, a story that follows the basketball team and our community as they try to defend their state championship title, produced by Shaquille O'Neal and executive produced by Larry Gagosian...fittingly making its World Premier right here. Opening Night featured the World Premiere of Alison Chernick's compelling documentary ITZHAK, which chronicles the extraordinary life of Israeli violin virtuoso and conductor and local resident, Itzhak Perlman, who was not only in attendance but gave an extraordinary performance at Guild Hall in East Hampton!! The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) revealed a brand new annual award, THE DICK CAVETT ARTISTIC CHAMPION AWARD. The inaugural award was given to Emmy Award winning television personality and former talk show host Dick Cavett by HIFF Co-Chairman Alec Baldwin at the opening night for the festival. "Of course, when it came time to create an award on behalf of those in our industry who have supported artists and the arts in unique and indelible ways, we realized we not only had to name the award after Dick, but also give our first award to him. Cavett's television program was a showcase for artists like no other, and his work with HIFF over the years is something we are most grateful for," said HIFF Co-Chairman Alec Baldwin.

Seven additional World Premieres at HIFF included 11/8/16, curated and produced by Jeff Deutchman, which is directed by over 40 filmmakers and captures footage from across the country documenting Election Day - and Coodie Simmons + Chike Ozah's THE FIRST TO DO IT, recounting the life of Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play in the NBA, which features interviews with NBA players Carmelo Anthony and Kawhi Leonard, and is executive produced by Anthony, Leonard, Tony Parker, Michael Finley and P.J. Tucker. Other films screened at the festival were Tiffany Bartok's LARGER THAN LIFE: THE KEVYN AUCOIN STORY, profiling the professional and personal life of iconic makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, featuring interviews with Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and more; Onur Tukel's THE MISOGYNISTS, a narrative following the tales of characters coming and going from a hotel room on the night of the 2016 general election, starring Dylan Baker; Brendan & Emmett Malloy's THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES, a coming-of-age drama centering around the lives of a family who move to affluent LA suburb Palos Verdes, starring Jennifer Garner, Justin Kirk, Elisabeth Rohm, Goran Visnjic and Joley Fisher. A Long Island selection was Josh Klausner's WANDERLAND, which was filmed on the East End, tells the story of a character escaping his isolated life only to find himself lost on a surreal, all-night musical odyssey of misadventures, starring Tate Ellington, Dree Hemingway, Ronald Guttman, Harris Yulin & Tara Summers. GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON was the Friday Centerpiece in Southampton and both Martin McDonagh's THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI served as the Saturday Centerpiece and Sunday's Centerpiece screening of the U.S. premiere of BREATHE - the directorial debut of Andy Serkis (War for the Planet of the Apes), starring Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield and Golden Globe- winning and Emmy-nominated actress Claire Foy - were at Guild Hall.

Over at Rowdy Hall, Winick Talks explored Navigating the Streaming Era with Dan Schoenbrun as moderator and Jeff Bowers and Matthew O'Neill and also hosted Variety's 10 Actors to Watch. Panelists were Daveed Diggs, Hong Chau, Kumail Nanjiani, Barry Keoghan, Dainel Kaluuya, Timothee Chalamet and Dainelle MacDonald. Meet the Competition Filmmakers was another interesting Winnick chat at Rowdy. There were late afternoon receptions at The Palm - a sort of headquarters for mingling amongst industry, media and guests and even The Maidstone Club hosted a few parties. The 1770 House was headquarters for press blocks and interviews, Stephen Talkhouse was the scene for the Wanderland party and the Industry Filmmmaker party was at a private home in Bridgehampton! The historic Mulford Farm barn was also headquarters for many of the receptions - Suffolk County Film Commission reception and NYWIFThosted a brunch for women in film, theater and media under the great white tent set up on the grounds. Even East Hampton High School got into the act with the festival's signature program - A Conversation With...featuring renowned Emmy-award winning actor and Oscar-winner Annette Bening, Patrick Stewart and Rob Reiner on three separate occasion and moderated by longtime HIFF Board Member and actor Bob Balaban. Bening also starred in one of the festival's Spotlight films - Paul McGuigan's FILMS STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL, opposite Jamie Bell. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film on December 15th. Annette Bening has been a force for over 25 years on screen. She is known for her roles in Rob Reiner's THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT, opposite Michael Douglas; Sam Mendes' AMERICAN BEAUTY, starring Kevin Spacey; Istvan Szabo's BEING JULIA; Lisa Cholodenko's THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, opposite Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo; Mike Mills' 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (HIFF 2016), opposite Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning; and Warren Beatty's RULES DON'T APPLY. Bening will be seen in upcoming films including Michael Mayer's adaptation of Anton Chekhov's play THE SEAGULL opposite Saoirse Ronan, Dan Fogelman's drama LIFE, ITSELF with Olivia Wilde, Oscar Isaac, Samuel L. Jackson and Antonio Banderas, and Christoph Waltz's directorial debut GEORGETOWN, opposite Waltz and Vanessa Redgrave. "We are delighted to have one of the industry's most formidable and talented actresses, Annette Bening, join us this year to converse about her body of work and new film FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL," said HIFF Executive Director Anne Chaisson. "She is one of the most talented actresses of our generation and a perfect addition to our 25th anniversary."

The festival honored Academy Award-winning actress Julie Andrews with a Lifetime Achievement Award, including a special presentation of VICTOR/VICTORIA co-presented with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Saturday with Co-Chair Alec Baldwin doing the honors. They followed up with a post-screening conversation between the two of them. The festival continues to co-present the Annual 10 Actors to Watch List with Variety. Previous honorees include numerous Oscar winners and nominees including Mahershala Ali, Brie Larson, Lupita Nyong'o, Emma Stone and Alicia Vikander. The 2017 10 Actors to Watch are Timothee Chalamet, Hong Chau, Kiersey Clemons, Daveed Diggs, Ali Fazal, Daniel Kaluuya, Barry Keoghan, Danielle Macdonald, Kumail Nanjiani, and Grace Van Patten. A lovely brunch was held at Nick + Toni's for Variety's 10 Actors. In addition, Patrick Stewart was presented with Variety's Creative Impact in Acting Award. Bay Street Theatre and Southampton United Artists Theater were screening venues in tandem with the UA theaters and Guild Hall in East Hampton. Red Carpets abounded and the Opening and Closing parties drew many. Of course the Chairman's Reception is always a biggie and this year the Lifetime Achievement Award Reception with Julie Andrews and Alec Baldwin reined in all the star power. Altogether 115 films played - some of which included Vincent Gagliostro's AFTER LOUIE, starring Alan Cumming as an NYC artist with survivor's guilt following the AIDS epidemic, and Alexandre Moors' THE YELLOW BIRDS, about two soldiers finding their way in the midst of the Iraq War, starring Toni Collette, Jennifer Aniston, Tye Sheridan and Alden Ehrenreich; Ai Weiwei's HUMAN FLOW, a documentary shining light on the global migrant crisis; the recipient of the Palme D'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Ruben Ostlund's THE SQUARE, a fictional story about the world of art starring Elisabeth Moss, Claes Bang and Dominic West; and lastly, based on her award-winning short film, the U.S. premiere of Atsuko Hirayanagi's OH LUCY! The Closing Night Film sponsored by Silvercup Studios was the U.S. Premiere - I, TONYA directed by Craig Gillespie. Craig Gillespie's at turns hilarious and tragic look at the life of Tonya Harding (astonishingly realized by Margot Robbie) flips the script on this sensational narrative - following her from the tumultuous relationship with her abusive mother (Allison Janney) to the absurd moments that led to that fateful night in Cobo Arena. Fueled by a razor-sharp script that doesn't let anyone in Harding's orbit out of its sights, I, TONYA is an outrageous and surprising look at the players behind the notorious scandal upending figure skater Nancy Kerrigan at the 1994 Winter Olympics.

The festival was held over the long Columbus Day holiday weekend culminating with the Awards Show at the East Hampton Library where the Audience Awards were also announced that morning followed by a nice brunch at Serafina. The *Audience Awards for the 25th The Hamptons International Film Festival Anniversary were given to MR AND MRS ADELMAN, directed by Nicolas Bedos took home the Audience Award for Narrative Feature. LOVE, CECIL, directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland took home the Audience Award for Documentary Feature. LONG SHOT, directed by Jacob LaMendola won the Audience Award for Best Short Film. It makes it so engaging having that opportunity to rate films so that in the end those favorites are given awards! Hamptons International Film Festival Executive Director Anne Chaisson said she and the board and staff were thrilled to be celebrating "a quarter century of bringing international films and filmmakers to The Hamptons presenting unique and dynamic voices for the anniversary edition" citing that Executive Program Direct David Nugent and the team worked tirelessly to select this year's best. "This group of films display works that both explore the complexities of our world and some of the challenges we face, while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in facing such adversity," said Hamptons International Film Festival Artistic Director David Nugent. Thankfully, Frank PR always does an superb job and the staff are always SO very helpful as it does get a bit confusing when trying to create just the right strategy for attending films, press blocks, red carpets, parties + receptions - figuring out logistics with times and locations and how the heck to fit it all in - but that's where their twelve page memo and daily updates of who's who and what's where comes in handy : ) KUDOS to Clair Anne Darragh and Lina Plath and their diligent and brilliant team who have it down to a science!! From industry parties in Southampton to a brunch hosted by honorary board member Bruce Weber at his home in Montauk, The Filmmakers' Reception in Bridgehampton and array of special events in Sag Harbor - if you weren't local you'd need more than a map! Thankfully the Hampton Jitney was there to chauffer everyone back and forth keeping all safe and sound. In addition to Co-Chairs Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro, Chairs Emeriti Toni Ross + Stuart Match Suna, Executive Director Anne Chaisson, Artistic Director David Nugent - some of the most notable honorees and attendees were Julie Andrews, Dick Cavett, Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Mariska Hargitay, Alan Cumming, Patrick Stewart, Deon Cole, Michael Finley, Spencer Haywood, Oscar Robertson, P.J. Tucker, Rob Reiner, Itzhak Perlman, Toni Collette, Hilaria Baldwin, Maika Monroe, Margot Robbie and long time board members Bob Balaban, Anne Barish and Judy Licht with hubby Mayor Rudy Giuliani all attended the festival. HIFF is a year-round non-profit organization with events, screenings, film workshops, comprehensive summer programs and an annual film festival each October. The festival is the premiere film event on New York State's east end, and is an intimate showcase of some of the year's best offerings in contemporary cinema from around the world. With cash and in-kind prizes handed out totaling more than $200,000, HIFF continues to attract some of the best films of the year and develop school programs that appeal to students locally.

Till next week we hope you enjoy TheHamptons.com scoop on People & Parties while we gather together next season's crop of galas + charitable events! In the meantime please look at our social calendar for off-season events too!! 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 holiday season...thehamptons.com will keep bringing you interviews and a whole lot more...right through 2018! 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!