New York City - To kick off the Southampton Hospital's 53rd Annual Summer Party, Chair Jean Shafiroff, hosted a luncheon at New York City's elegant Le Cirque restaurant. Led by Master of Ceremonies, NBC News anchor Chuck Scarborough, a long time supporter of the Hospital, with special guest speaker Robert S. Chaloner, President and CEO Southampton Hospital, the event was held for the supporters of the Southampton Hospital. Guests at the luncheon included Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Sharon Bush, Fe Fendi, Laura Lofaro Freeman, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Ann Rapp, Marion Piro, Alex and Kate Donner, Sandra McConnell, Chris Obetz, Janna Bullock, Cece Black, Victoria Wyman, and fashion designer Victor de Souza, just to name a few.

Phil Kassover, Sharon Kerr. (Courtesy Photo: Lawlor Media Group)

As the luncheon began, Scarborough thanked and informed attendees that "the success of the Hospital has been built on extraordinary momentum." Scarborough led guests in enthusiastic applause by introducing someone, "who last year under her chairmanship, helped raise a record $1.7 million - the leader who is going to take us to our new goal of $2 million, the woman who did such an extraordinary job - Jean Shafiroff!

This year's Summer Party, "A Tropical Paradise," will be chaired for the second year by Shafiroff, who expressed her gratitude to last year's committee members and Hospital staff for their hard work and support. "It is an honor for me to again chair this important event and we are anticipating another success!" Hospital President and CEO Chaloner greeted guests, joking that "when staying in the Hamptons, the last place you would want to be is in a hospital!" He went on to say, "However, if you are ill, you will not find a better local hospital to take care of you. In the last several years, Southampton Hospital has completely renovated and expanded critical departments, including our Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department, the Breast Center, Maternity and Wellness Institute among other areas. Supporters like you have enabled quality healthcare in the Hamptons."

The long-time tradition supports the Hospital's Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department which serves more than 25,000 residents and visitors annually on Long Island's South Fork - the Emergency Department was named after the Paulsons in recognition of their generous support for the Hospital. The highly-anticipated Southampton Hospital's 53rd Annual Summer Party will take place on Saturday, August 6, 2011 under the tents at the corner of Wickapogue and Old Town Roads in Southampton. Tiffany & Co. will serve as the Honorary Jewelry Chair and Barclay's Wealth will serve as the Honorary Corporate Chair.