Hundreds of guests were dazzled with a perfect Fourth of July wrap up at the 20th Annual Hamptons Happening.
On July 6, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s beloved summer event was held on the gorgeous Bridgehampton estate of hosts Kenneth and Maria Fishel.
“Since its founding, SWCRF has invested more than $120 million towards collaborative cancer research,” said William T. Sullivan, SWCRF executive director. “The funds we expect to raise this year will be earmarked toward the launch of new, innovative research initiatives, funding up to six new investigators this fall.”
Funds raised will support groundbreaking research funded by SWCRF, which is a leading international organization dedicated to eradicating cancer.
Red, white, and blue colors illuminated the tent where guests enjoyed delicious tastings that thrilled like the holiday firecrackers from dozens of chefs, restaurants, and beverage companies as well as were treated to a thrilling live auction.
Delectable tastings dazzled the crowd from Chef Francois Payard, Bellissima Prosecco & Wines, Nadel, Arlotta Food Studio, El Verano, Deeky Dawg, a La ModeShoppe, Magnolia Bakery, 317 Main Street, Little Sesame, David Burke Hospitality Management, Backal Hospitality Group, Versa, Riverpark, Lulu Kitchen & Bar, T-Bar, East Hampton Shucker Company, Dough Doughnuts, Amante 1530, Horse Soldier Bourbon, Night Inn Experience, Scott’s Protein Balls, Elegant Affairs, Wolfer Estates Vineyard, Good Eats, and Taco Mahal.
SWCRF presented Arthur F. Backal (Chief Executive Officer, Backal Hospitality Group) with this year’s Distinguished Hospitality Award, Chef Francois Payard (Southold Social) received the Distinguished Restaurateur Award. Cheri Kaufman (CEO C iGive, Founding Partner, Kaufman Astoria Studios) was this year’s Distinguished Businesswoman Award.
Stephen Kliegerman (President, Development Marketing, Brown Harris Stevens) received the Distinguished Business Real Estate Award, Fern Mallis (NYFW Founder, Fern Mallis LLC) was the recipient of the Fashion Cares Award, and DJ CherishTheLuv (Broadway Co-Producer & DJ, 2024 Tony Nominated “Here Lies Love”) took home the Distinguished Cancer Crusader Award.
Legacy Sponsor was the Theodore A. Rapp Foundation. Valor Sponsors were Kenneth and Maria Fishel. Hero Sponsors included. Stephen Kliegerman, Cheri Kaufman, Dentons, Backal Hospitality Group, Hank Lane Music & Productions, Fusion Productions, Creative Games, Simone Development Companies, Fabric to Finish, and the Friedman-Rosenthal Team at Brown Harris Stevens. Exclusive Auctioneer was Freeman’s – Hindman.
The Hamptons Happening event was chaired by Mark D. Friedman of Brown Harris Stevens and Jamie Koff, Fabric to Finish with co-chair Bess Freedman and Journal Chair Erica Linden-Fineberg.
Event committee included Alexandra Adame, Karen Amster-Young, Chris Arlotta, Arthur Backal, Antonella Bertello, Dawn Celovsky, Deanna Ceriano, Priscila Chateau, Natalie Cohen Gould, Maxine Danowitz, Maria Fishel, Elena Gibbs, Latifa Hamra, Leslie Keidan, Dina Koutroumanis, Norah Lawlor, Lori & Scott Levine, Jessica Mackin-Cipro, Gennaro Pecchia, Christine Prydatko, Susan Santoro, Randi Schatz, Liana Silverstein, and Chelsea Whitney.
Media Sponsors were James Lane Post and Lawlor Media Group.