South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center (SoFo) is hosting their 26th Annual Summer Gala, “Celebrating The East End,” on Saturday, July 11th, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The evening will toast to local visionaries who are at the core of the Hamptons community.
“Our 26th Annual Summer Gala Benefit is our most important fundraiser of the year, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Sofo,” expressed Diana Aceti, Director of Development. “The Museum is a very important resource that educates and inspires children and adults to become engaged and responsible caretakers of our planet now and for decades to come.”
“Top Chef Masters” alum Kerry Heffernan, Documentary Filmmaker and Designer Susan Rockefeller and Hamptons Magazine Editor-In-Chief Samantha Yanks will chair the event. This year’s honorees include “Entourage” star, SHFT co-founder, producer, director, and musician Adrian Grenier, internationally acclaimed artist April Gornik, and conservationist Willi Salm.
“Celebrating The East End” will kickoff with a pre-gala VIP Cocktail Reception from 6 to 7 p.m. The hour will include a Tribute and Special Tasting Menu by Colin Ambrose of Estia’s Little Kitchen; Todd Jacobs of Fresh Hamptons; Matt Ketcham of Ketcham’s Seafarm; Kyle Koenig of Topping Rose House; Sam McClelland of The Bell & Anchor; Andrew Schor of East Hampton Grill; Joe Tremblay of BayBurger; Jason Weiner of Almond; Antico Noè; and Swedish Culinary Summer. It will also feature presentations by and tributes to SoFo’s Food Champions Brian Halweil of Edible East End; Joel Realmuto of Nick & Toni’s; Karen Rivara of Peconic Pearls; and Jon Snow of the Hayground School.
From 7 to 9:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy farm-to-table and sustainable seafood hors d’oeuvres catered by Peter Ambrose, an Honoree Presentation, a Platinum and Silent Auction, and music from the Nancy Atlas Project Band.
Proceeds from the evening will support SoFo’s educational and environmental programming. “The Museum’s exhibits, programs, nature talks and trails, and outdoor experiences are essential to SoFo’s mission of conserving and preserving the natural resources of eastern Long Island,” said Aceti.
General admission (limited availability) is $375 and $250 for Young Professionals (30 and under). VIP tickets are $1,250.
South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center is located at 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton. For more information, call 631-537-9735 or visit www.sofo.org.