Gracious hosts Andrea and Michael Gordon with their children.

Bridgehampton - Almost a dozen prominent East End art galleries lent their support to this year's Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP) Benefit as art and altruism once again merged seamlessly in the Hamptons.

Celebrating its 23rd year, this year's July 31 event was called the Mid Summer Art Show and was held at the beautiful new home construction of Michael and Andrea Gordon in Bridgehampton. Mr. Gordon, the founder of Bumble and Bumble, joked that besides supporting PPHP he was happy to give over his home for the event because it actually forced them to get it finished in time.

Over 200 guests turned out for the event which raises essential funds in support of PPHP's reproductive and sexual health services and education and advocacy programs on the East End. PPHP President and CEO Reina Schiffrin tripped on her way into the event, but after some medical attention did return to the event to greet and thank supporters.

Producer Barry Sonnenfeld and his wife producer/actress Susan Ringo turned out again in support of PPHP. (Richard Lewin)

Filling in as Master of Ceremonies for Schiffrin was PPHP Board President Tom Wallace. He addressed the importance of PPHP's annual Hamptons summer fundraiser, "As the economy tumbles, philanthropic endeavors tumble too, people tend to give less. However, at events like this the people who can give more do give more."

Ironically, a downturn in the economy creates less giving, but it also creates a greater strain on the demand for the services that PPHP provides, "For more and more people, we have become their primary provider of health care, particularly women," Wallace explained. "For many who have lost their insurance coverage we are their source of health care, so events like this are more important than ever."

Ardent PPHP supporter, member of Planned Parenthood Federation of America's National Board of Advocates and celebrated American actress Blythe Danner attended and in addressing the guests said, "I am delighted to be here and I am just so impressed with how impassioned you all are in support of this organization."

Early attendees on the newly finished grounds of the Gordon house in Bridgehampton gather in support of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic.

Danner also touched on the issue of Roe v. Wade in her remarks, expressing her hope that conservatives on the Supreme Court would find their way to the "middle" ground of support for abortion rights, "I think we have to hope and pray that people like [Associate Justice Samuel] Aleto, who is a very right wing guy, will let their hearts grow and they will realize that we have got to support Roe v. Wade and not allow it under any circumstance to disappear. I think by all of you being here tonight you certainly second that."

Actress Blythe Danner, a long time supporter of Planned Parenthood, addressing the crowd regarding the importance of support for Roe v. Wade.

Among the other notables in attendance at this year's event were film producer Barry Sonnenfeldand his wife producer/actress Susan Ringo, writer Loraine Boyle and artists April Gornik and Dallas Ernst whose support, along with the other guests, for Planned Parenthood's six health centers in Suffolk, including Amagansett and Riverhead, fill a vital need for working class women and men of the East End communities. According to PPHP, "90 percent of PPHP's services are preventative, including cervical and breast cancer screenings, GYN wellness exams, testing and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, and prenatal care."

The aforementioned 11 prominent East End galleries which sold artwork and donated a generous portion of their proceeds to the event included Elaine Benson Gallery, Boltax Gallery, Mark Borghi Fine Arts, The Drawing Room, Eric Firestone Gallery, Kathryn Merkel Fine Arts, Salomon Contemporary Warehouse, Sara Nightingale Gallery, Silas Marder Gallery, Tripoli Galleries, and Jason Lamberth Furniture and Interiors.

Active for over 77 years, PPHP provides services for women, men and teens throughout the East End and is a vital health care provider for so many residents that cannot provide health care for themselves. Yes, art and altruism has once again merged and reflected the generous spirit of Hamptonians that have helping those among us that have not.

For more information go to www.pphp.org.

Attendees browsed the art work provided by 11 prominent East End galleries.