It was a stunning night in the Hamptons that honored nature in all of its glory.
On Saturday, August 6th, the South Fork Natural History Museum celebrated the spectacular nature and ocean conservation efforts of the museum’s last 33 years at their Annual Summer Gala Benefit.
Sylvia Earle, Andy Sabin
photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com ©2022 robrich101@gmail.com 516-676-3939
Conserving Our Planet: The Future Starts Now took place on the beautiful and captivating grounds in Bridgehampton, NY.
The only state-of-the-art natural history museum on the South Fork of Long Island, celebrated the spectacular nature and ocean conservation efforts of the museum’s last 33 years with the likes of VIP attendees “My Unorthodox Life’s” Julia Haart, Carole Crist and Sergio Nicolosi.
Sam Sabin, Lindsey Rand, Olivia Soares, Jamie Wolf, Riley McMahon, Alex Vecchio, Molly Wirth, Maria Cintron, Rafael Leonardo
photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com ©2022 robrich101@gmail.com 516-676-3939
The festive evening raised funds for SOFO’s educational and environmental programs and initiatives. The benefit gala’s main reception was hosted by Andy Sabin, SOFO President & Co-Founder; and Diana Aceti, SOFO Director of Development. Sylvia Earle, the National Geographic Explorer and founder of Mission Blue, was honored for her unwavering commitment to protecting our oceans. Other individuals that were honored that night included special friends of SOFO Jim Ash, Richard Grasso, Jeffrey C. Keil, Greg Manocherian and Carl Safina. SOFO also gave a very special thank you to Anke & Jürgen Friedrich and Susan & David Rockefeller, chairs of SOFO’s educational and environmental programs and initiatives. This year the summer gala benefit’s ambassador was Liev Schreiber.
Over 400 guests started the night with a divine cocktail party that showcased local birds that had been rescued by SOFO’s Native Wildlife from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. During the cocktail reception an array of local flavors and tastes from vendors and restaurants in the Hamptons such as Montauk Shellfish Company, as well as Bamboo, Beacon, Bell & Anchor, East Hampton Grill, Eddie’s Pizza Truck, The Golden Pear, Page at 63 Main, Saaz, Shellworks, and Takumi Taco.
The benefit gala’s main reception was hosted by Andy Sabin, SOFO President & Co-Founder; and Diana Aceti, SOFO Director of Development. The reception dinner was presented by Elegant Affairs Catering and guests indulged in cocktails and beverages provided by Michael Cinque, Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Channing Daughters Winery, J.A. Baczewski Monopolowa Vodka & Gin, Talkhouse Encore, Uni Tequila, and Hampton Coffee Company. Beautiful flowers were also provided by Mark Masone.
During the live auction, guests had the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences including an exclusive concert/dinner for two to see Andrea Bocelli. This incredible experience includes 2 premium seating tickets at the concert where guests will enjoy the full symphonic orchestra, choir, and host of special guests joining Mr. Bocelli on stage. Another auction item was the ultimate British open golf experience, which includes a game of championship golf for 2 on 5 former British Open golf courses, including all greens fees, starting times, and clubhouse access: Royal Troon Golf Club, Turnberry Resort-Ailsa Course, Kingsbarns Golf Links, Prestwick Golf Club, and Carnoustie Golf Links, in addition to a 3-night stay in a classic resort view room at the Turnberry Resort (Ayrshire) and another 3-night stay in a standard Fairmont room at the Fairmont St Andrews Daily full breakfast.
At the and of the night gift bags were enjoyed with such delights as proud event sponsor BIONOVA and Hampton Coffee Company. Media sponsors are Dan’s Papers, Hamptons Magazine, the James Lane Post, the Northforker, Sag Harbor Express, and Social Life Magazine. SOFO’s other gala sponsors included Amagansett Wine & Spirits, Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, J. A Baczewski, Bamboo, The Bell Anchor, Bill Miller & Associates, Carole Crist Capital with a Conscience, Channing Daughters, Decco, Digi Booths, East End Tick & Mosquito Control, East Hampton Grill, Eddie’s Pizza, Elegant Affairs, The Express-News Group, Greenberg Traurig, Hamptons Coffee Company, Moji Masala, Montauk Brewing Co., Montauk Pearl Oysters, T-shirts by 1TEE10TREES, Page at 63 Main, Saaz, and The Safi.