An influential group of philanthropists, socialites, medical leaders and supporters gathered under the iconic tents on Wickapogue Road, Southampton, to commemorate the return of the Hamptons’ most anticipated fundraiser: Southampton Hospital Foundation’s 66th Annual Summer Party, to benefit Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.
Co-chaired by Elena A. Ford and Sarah J. Wetenhall, this year’s gala centered around the theme ‘Embracing our Legacy and Envisioning our Future,’ celebrating 66 years of raising essential funds to support healthcare from Westhampton to Montauk. Father Alexander Karloutsos and Dr. Daniel Van Arsdale were honored for their steadfast commitment to the East End community. The evening commemorated the new leadership at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital headed by Chief Administrative Officer Emily Mastaler, the Southampton Hospital Foundation led by President Julia McCormack, and the Southampton Hospital Association chaired by Jim Forbes.
“This event started in 1958 and is the longest running charitable fundraiser in the Hamptons,” noted Forbes. “The funds we raised help support many programs we have developed and expanded over the last few years including the Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart and Stroke Center, the Phillips Family Cancer Center, the Paulson Family Emergency Department, and our soon to open East Hampton Emergency Department.”
The Summer Party commenced with a festive cocktail hour, where “American Idol” alum Christiaan Padavan serenaded guests with lounge-style tunes as they enjoyed specialty cocktails such as The Macklowe’s Gold Fashioned specialty cocktail and noshed on light bites.
After cocktails, guests moved to the stunning dinner tent where they dined on a sumptuous culinary experience curated by Elegant Affairs, which was paired with world-class wines from presenting sponsor Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Following dinner, celebrity auctioneer Lydia Fenet captivated the audience during the Paddle Auction, which included the “Ultimate Palm Beach Experience,” a week’s stay at The Colony Hotel plus other pink paradise pampering, along with a 1:1 session with a makeup artist at the Jones Road Beauty Palm Beach location. A dessert bar and dancing to That 70s Band, New York’s leading 70s dance, disco, and funk group, completed the fun.
“Together, we celebrated our rich history while laying the groundwork for a promising future of healthcare for the East End. We were especially honored to recognize Father Alex Karloutsos and Dr. Daniel Van Arsdale for their remarkable work and commitment to our community. Thank you for being part of such a memorable and impactful night,” shared Wetenhall, who is on the Southampton Hospital Foundation board.
“The evening’s event was a testament to the incredible spirit of our community. The dedication and generosity shown by our hospital’s supporters is truly inspiring,” added Ford, who is on the Southampton Hospital Association board. “The funds raised will have a lasting impact, enabling us to continue providing exceptional care and innovative treatments. I am grateful to all who contributed to making this night unforgettable.”
An esteemed group contributed their support to the event, including Wendy and Howard Cox, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Fiona and Stan Druckenmiller, Jay Lieberman, John Paulson, Ingeborg and Ira Rennert, Alejandro and Charlotte Santo Domingo, Barbara and Randall Smith, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, Rachel Zoe, Fern Mallis, Veronica Atkins, Margo and John Catsimatidis, Kate and Andrew Davis, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Audrey and Martin Gruss, Julie and Billy Macklowe, Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger, Jimmy and Margo Nederlander, Landon Nordeman, Roz and Nat Perlmutter, Kimberly and Eric Waldman, Cindy Willis, Stephanie Nass and David Ulevitch, Peggy and John Bader, Allegra and Martin Kelly, Suwattana and Román Viñoly, Catherine and Malcolm Price, Sophie Elgort, and Charlotte Moss and Barry Friedberg.
Southampton Hospital Annual Summer Party Benefit: A Brief History
Southampton Hospital Foundation board members who supported this year’s event included Paul C. Brennan, Laura Lofaro Freeman, Father Alex Karloutsos, Jean Shafiroff and husband Martin, and Sarah Wetenhall and husband Andrew. Southampton Hospital Association board members offering their support included Chairman Jim Forbes and wife Hollis, President Emily Mastaler and husband Jon McAuliffe, Treasurer John Wambold and wife Melanie, Elena A. Ford and husband Mitchell Seldin, J. Oscar Molina, Allison Morrow, Jay K. Levine, Richard D. Lisman, MD, Darin Wiggins, MD, and Chairman Emeritus Ken Wright. Additionally, Stony Brook University Hospital CEO/COO Carol Gomes, Stony Brook Medicine Executive Vice President William Wertheim and Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick also played a central role in supporting the event.
Rachael Zoe served as Fashion Chair, while Gregory D’Elia, Norah Lawlor, and Lisa Tamburini were Publicity Chairs. Nancy Stone served as Corporate Partnership Chair.
All proceeds will further the provision and expansion of high-quality healthcare services for all on the East End, including support for the Paulson Family Emergency Department and the new Stony Brook Medicine East Hampton Satellite Emergency Department.
Also out there … Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s Creative Director, celebrated the upcoming (as in tomorrow) Southampton Arts Center’s SummerFest gala by showing his new collection at a private luncheon.
The event was hosted by the Center’s co-founder Simone Levinson, Jamee Gregory, Kara Ross and Nicole Salmasi. In the mix at the event were Candace Bushnell, Alina De Almeida, Andrea Douzet, Sylvia Hemingway, Janna Bullock, Christine Schott, Debbie Bancroft, Cameron Silver, Ramona Singer, R. Couri Hay, Debra Wasser, Victoria Wyman and Paola Bacchini.
Guests enjoyed welcome drinks provided by Aphrodise, the new bubbly rosé by Frank Schilling, before a seated lunch. After lunch, guests shopped at the Balmain popup in support of the Southampton Arts Center, with a percentage of sales going to support the center’s mission to build community through the arts.
Olivier Rousteing expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their generous contributions. “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to support the arts,” Rousteing said. “The Southampton Arts Center is a beacon of creativity, and it’s an honor to contribute to its mission.”
The Southampton Arts Center, known for its diverse range of cultural events and exhibitions, plays an important role in enriching the community’s cultural landscape. With the support of partners like Balmain, the center is poised to expand its reach and impact, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts. Balmain’s benefit lunch at the Southampton Arts Center highlighted the synergy between fashion and art and underscored the importance of community support in sustaining cultural institutions.
The SummerFest gala, which takes place tomorrow, August 17th, will be co-chaired by Audrey and Martin Gruss, Karen and Richard LeFrak, Simone and David Levinson and Hilary and Wilbur Ross; and will honor pillars of New York and Hamptons society Jamee and Peter Gregory.
Proceeds from this glamours benefit will fund the center’s vibrant selection of offerings, including four world-class art exhibitions and more than 150 programs annually. The center serves as a cultural hub where approximately 45,000 visitors a year get to experience film, music, dance, and theater among other forms of artistic expression on its premises. Southampton Arts Center plays a pivotal role in fostering community connections and bolstering local businesses. It’s a testament to how art can serve as both mirror and catalyst for society’s evolution.
Bradford Rand and his team including Andrew Levitt at the world-renowned events company RAND Luxury produced a private charity brunch & concours in collaboration with Ferrari of Long Island, Manhattan Motorcars, Morgan Stanley, Rémy Martin / Louis XIII and more. The exclusive, Invitation-Only concours was Sold Out well in advance and was hosted at the Bridgehampton estate of Kenneth & Maria Fishel. The Event benefitted The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF).
The annual event showcased one of the largest gatherings of collectible spectacular vintage and new Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, McLarens, Rolls-Royce Motorcars the Hamptons has ever seen whose combined value was estimated at over $100 Million. A series of automotive connoisseurs and celebrity judges reviewed nearly 200 Ferrari & Porsche motorcars in the judged concours led by Chief Judge Glenn Simon. In addition, The Hamptons Concours also featured new vehicles from luxury brands Including Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley.
Guests were greeted with fine wine by Palm Bay, vodka by One Roq, the finest assortment of scotches from Braeburn Whisky, cognac from Remy Martin, Staple Gin a new creation from Rachael Ray and fine cuisine from Lessings and hand-rolled cigars from Cohiba.
Notable Attendees included: Bradford Rand, Ken Fishel, Maria Fishel, Jordan Lippner, Dina Lohan, Julia Haart, Bradley Fishel, Alexandra Fishel, John Catsamatidis, Margo Catsamatidis, Jean Shafiroff, Alan Lieberman, Diane Lieberman, and Jake Phipps.
Details of the winners of the 2024 Hamptons Concours will be available from August 20th on www.randluxury.com
The event sponsors included: Morgan Stanley, Remy Martin/Louis XIII, Roger Dubuis Timepieces, Cohiba Cigars, Douglas Elliman, Ferrari of Long Island, Ferrari Club of North America (Empire State Region), Aston Martin of Long Island, McLaren of Long Island, Sports Car Market, Manhattan Motorcars, Putnam Leasing, Porsche Club of America (Metro NY Region), Gintani NY, Ryan Friedman Motorcars, ApolloJets, Blade Logistics Capital, Hagerty, Ineos, Lyrical Asset Mgt, Kitty Kat Coin, CyberRisk Alliance, Palm Bay Intl, Lucid, Glenrothes, and Optyx.
