american heart association

START FILLING THE CALENDAR, THE SUMMER BENEFIT SEASON WILL SOON BE HERE!

Cocktails on the beach!

5/28/16 Kicking it all off this year is the GLBT Network of Long Island’s Summer Kick-off.   Yes, there is a lot of kicking involved on this date.  But what did you expect from a gay event?    The Network is an association of non-profits that work to serve the LGBT community both young and old from Queens (the location) to… Montauk.  The group started a community center in the Hamptons, the first of it’s kind on the east end.   In fact, all proceeds from this event are earmarked for the center located at the Whaler’s Church in Sag Harbor.     The location is the Bridgehampton Surf an Tennis Club.. and this is the first big event of the season.   Tickets start at $250 till this Friday and then go to $300, which is pretty reasonable for a Hamptons event with open bar and appetizers.  The best reason to go: Other than the mingling and the scenery, the silent auction will feature everything from VIP spa treatments to having drinks with Bravo’s Andy Cohen.  Potential Reason to skip it:  If you’re expecting a scantily clad beach party forget it.  It’s Memorial Day weekend on the ocean… it’s more like sweaters and long pants. But hey, you’re still on the beach and there hopefully won’t be any snow!

6/4/16 Southampton Fresh Air Home Sale and Auction Benefit Gala – Southampton FAH provides a camp experience for physically challenged youth with sailing, swimming, hiking, etc.   The benefit which is called the “GREATEST YARD SALE ON EARTH” is held at their facility on Barkers Island Road in Southampton  It’s one of the more mellow benefits of the season but it’s a who’s who mixer for everyone in Southampton.   Tickets start at $250 and go and up.     The best reason to go:  The furniture in the silent auction is amazing stuff… they’re are also great trips and everything from teeth whitening to fishing trips available.  It’s not Home Goods prices but there are still some good deals!    Potential reason to skip it:  The competition for best outfit is very stiff… don’t go in your jeans and a t-shirt, this crowd really knows how to work a whale belt!

6/25/16 American Heart Association’s Heart of the Hamptons -Is widely recognized as one of the premier philanthropic and festive events in the Hamptons. The Heart of the Hamptons Ball has raised over $2.5 million for the American Heart Association since it began 15 years ago.   The event is held at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton on Mitchell’s Lane. Tickets start at $500 and go up.    The best reason to go:  The Goody Bag is one of the best of the season!   Have you seen any wrinkles on my face lately!?  NO, that’s because I got this amazing moisturizer in last years bag!   Potential Reason to skip it:   Just because you devour every passed hors d’ourves at the cocktail hour doesn’t mean you have an inside track for winning those training sessions in the silent auction.  FAT ALARM!

Save the dates!!!!

7/23/16 The Ellen Hermanson Starry Night Summer Gala – The foundation is unique in its commitment to helping breast cancer patients and their families cope with the changing nature of the physical and emotional aspects of breast cancer.  The foundation is responsible for also funding some amazing projects that have helped women and their families right here on the east end.   The event will be held this year at the Southampton Hospital grounds on Wicapogue and Olde Town Roads.  The event which features silent auction, cocktails and dancing starts at 7pm and tickets begin at around $400.    The best reason to go:  Dancing, dancing, dancing…. this party is fun.  It’s for a serious cause but it doesn’t mean you can’s shake your booty!    Potential Reason to skip it:  If you’re wishing for a quiet night with passed food and a string quartet, this is not your kind of party.

 

 

 

Summer Showdown Part 1…. Time to Pencil the Calendar with the Best Benefits!

A worse Saturday night Janis Ian never imagined!

Guys, I hate to break the news to you but in spite of the temperatures, Memorial Day is right around the corner.    So while you’re thinking it’s time to trade in your Spanx for that moo moo you might want to also starting contemplating how your calendar is shaping up.    I mean really, nothing is worse for your social standing than having an open calendar!   So, if you don’t want to spend your early summer nights driving through the Burger King in Southampton, please consider going to these fun events and supporting their great causes!   I also did you the favor of giving you links to buy tickets for each event, just click on the event name!

Edit Windsor hosts the GLBT Network on 5/24.

Kicking it all off on 5/24/14 GLBT Services Network Summer Kickoff –  A newcomer to the Hamtons, “The Network”  offers a community center that serves as a safe place with counseling and various services for members of the community and most importantly of all, at risk youth.    The kickoff event will start at 2pm and is hosted at the Southampton home of Edie Windsor who you may or may not know was the driving force for the fall of the DOMA.   Tickets are reasonably priced at $75 now, $125 at the door.  The best reason to go:  It’s early in the day plus you get your chance to potentially meet the woman who could be considered the Rosa Parks of this generation.   Potential reason to skip it:  Probably not the best benefit for single women looking to meet the man of their dreams. But hey, you never know!   So after you had your first round you can head to…..

 The Miracle House Summer Kickoff – Miracle House is a non-profit extended stay facility that provides housing, counseling and support for those seeking treatment in NYC and need assistance.   The location is the Bridgehampton Surf an Tennis Club.. and this is a huge event.  While it started as an AIDS charity and therefore has a strong guy following,  it benefits everyone from young to old with any illness.  Tickets start at $300 and go up!  The best reason to go: Great atmosphere with a fun crowd and since most of the boys shame their friends that eat those puff pastries and pigs-in-the-blanket, there’s plenty of food!  Potential Reason to skip it:  You get shunned for eating the puff pastry!  But hey, I can live with being shunned.  Now pass that tray!

Fresh Air Home Sale and Auction Benefit Gala!

6/7/14 Southampton Fresh Air Home Sale and Auction Benefit Gala – Southampton FAH provides a camp experience for physically challenged youth with sailing, swimming, hiking, etc.   The benefit is held at their facility on Barkers Island Road in Southampton  It’s one of the more mellow benefits of the season but it’s a who’s who’s mixer for everyone in Southampton.   Tickets once again go for $300 and up.   The best reason to go:  The furniture in the silent auction is amazing stuff… plus it’s some of the best people watching ever!   Yes, people really do wear bright yellow pants with lime green tops! Potential reason to skip it:  The best auction items here go early and these are not TJ Maxx prices but hey it’s for a great cause!

6/21/14 The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Summer Solstice – Hosted at the Southampton home of

Chuck and Ellen Scarborough host Summer Solstice.

Chuck and Ellen Scarborough, the event offers cocktails and some of the best bites around!   Tickets are starting at $300.  The foundation is a grassroots organization that has become a truly amazing success story promoting women’s health issues through awareness and providing counseling and medical services on the East End.  The best reason to go:  When was the last time you were invited to Chuck and Ellen Scarborough’s house?  DUH!   Potential Reason to Skip It:  No you can’t stay overnight! Chuck and Ellen will be asking you to leave their house after the event!

6/28/14  American Heart Association’s Heart of the Hamptons – The Heart of the Hamptons Ball has raised over $2.5 million for the American Heart Association since it began 15 years ago.   The event is held at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton on Mitchell’s Lane.  Tickets start at $175 for after dinner party tickets and $500 for cocktails and dinner.    The best reason to go:  Great star spotting at this event…this year journalist Rita Cosby is emcee and everyone from Rudy Guiliani to Christie Brinkley have been spotted here!  You may even see some Z listers like Star Jones too! Potential Reason to skip it:   Lot’s of great music and dancing on a hot summer night equals lots of sweaty and ruined expensive outfits!   It’s not pretty!

Hamptons Showdown Part 1… why, where and how much! And MANGIA in E. Hampton!

Well it’s that time of the year where you need to mark your calendars and your Marc Jacobs outfits to what weekend benefit you’re going to hit this coming summer.    If you ever saw that mini-series by Barbara Koppel “The Hamptons,”  you know it’s all about the benefits.  What you wear, who you’re seen with and what publication takes your picture!  Since there are so many benefits this summer, I’m going to break this into two parts this summer and give you the pluses the minuses of this summer’s benefits.

Kicking it all off on 5/26/12 is Miracle House Summer Kickoff – Miracle House is a non-profit extended stay facility that provides housing, counseling and support for those seeking treatment in NYC and need assistance.   The location is the Bridgehampton Surf an Tennis Club.. and this is a huge event.

While it started as an AIDS charity and therefore has a strong gay following,  it benefits everyone from young to old with any illness.  Tickets start at $300 and go up!

The best reason to go: Taylor Dayne will be performing live and it’s a ton of fun for a great cause.  Potential Reason to skip it:  Most of the “boys” will be better dressed than you and in better shape!

6/2/12
Southampton Fresh Air Home Sale and Auction Benefit Gala – Southampton FAH provides a camp experience for physically challenged youth with sailing, swimming, hiking, etc.   The benefit is held at their facility on
Barkers Island Road in Southampton  It’s one of the more mellow benefits of the season but it’s a who’s who’s mixer for everyone in Southampton.   Tickets once again go for $300 and up.

The best reason to go:  The furniture in the silent auction is amazing stuff… they’re are also great trips and everything from teeth whitening to fishing trips available! Potential reason to skip it:  The auction items here don’t go for TJ Maxx prices (it’s the Hamptons folks, people are generous) and the tooth whitening I won two years ago cost me like $20k after the dentist discovered my need for 3 root canals!

6/16/12
The Retreat – Artists Against Abuse – The Retreat is a safe house for victims of family violence in addition to conducting educational outreach programs that advocate non-violence.   It’s one of the more relaxed benefits of the summer and usually a great time!  The benefit will be held at the Ross School facilities on Butter Lane (same as last year). Tickets start at $150 for the pre-party and go up from there!

The best reason to go: The ART !  Hello everyone from Dan Rizzi (this year’s honoree) to April Gornick and Ross Bleckner have been featured at previous auctions.  The selection is amazing. Potential Reason to skip it:  Have you seen any work from Bob Ross of PBS fame? NO! Plus, add insult to injury, no potential fluorescent works to replace my Led Zepplin poster under the black lightt!!!

6/23/12
 American Heart Association’s Heart of the Hamptons – Widely recognized as a premier philanthropic and festive event in the Hamptons. The Heart of the Hamptons Ball has raised over $2.5 million for the American Heart Association since it began 15 years ago.   The event is held at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton on Mitchell’s Lane.  Tickets start at $500 and go up.

The best reason to go:  The Goody Bag is one of the best of the season!   Have you seen any wrinkles on my face lately!?  NO, that’s because I got this amazing moisturizer in last years bag!   Potential Reason to skip it:   Just because you devour every passed hors d’ourves at the cocktail hour doesn’t mean you have an inside track for winning those training sessions in the silent auction.  FAT ALARM!

Finally, according to their Faceboook page, the new and improved Red Horse Market is open for business!!! I’m totally psyched and once again Pasquale’s fresh home made mozzarella will be a staple for my summer dinner parties.   The hours according to the page are 6am to 9pm!  How cool, I don’t have to rush home from work to make a 6pm closing time!!  The phone is 631-324-9500 if you want more details! MANGIA!!!

Planning your weekend… What’s going on!

Well the forecast is looking kind of iffy at this point. I don’t know of a time when I’ve been so consistantly depressed reading a forecast! Tomorrow. Rain, followed by rain, then more rain and then a thunderstorm. YUCK! ENOUGH!

So what to do other than pump the excess water out of your basement or pool? Go have a cocktail and help raise some money for a good cause. You can also go do some nifty artsy stuff like…

Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm: The Sag Harbor Chamber of commerce is holding it’s annual Arts and Crafts fair in Marine Park on Bay Street. Admission is free and you can get more information by visiting the chambers website http://www.sagharborchamber.com/ .

On saturday night… tons of benefits but I’ll give you my top 3. I’ve yet to decide which one I’m going to!

Love Heals at Luna Farm, benefitting the Alison Gertz Foundation for Aids research. It’s a beach theme featurning cocktails, auction, dancing and a barbeque. I don’t know the price of tickets but it’s being held at 276 Parsonage Lane, Sagaponack starting at 7:30pm. If you need more details go to the we address www.loveheals.org/luna .

Next is the American Heart Associations 13th annual Heart of the Hamptons Gala. This year’s event is being held on the grounds of the Hayground School in Bridgehampton. There will be your standard auction, food and drinks. I will say this event has one of the best silent auctions all summer. Tickets are $500 and you can get more details here: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3058137

This year’s event is emceed by Bill Hemmer formerly of CNN. Rudy Giuliani and wife Judith will be there along with a long list of other east end celebrities.

Now last but not least … the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons better known as ARF is hosting ther 23rd annual GARDEN TOUR of 6 gardens in East Hampton. The tour is Saturday from 10am to 4pm followed by cocktails from 4-6pm. Get more details at http://www.arfhamptons.org/events.ihtml

If you’re not familiar with ARF .. I encourage you to explore the web site. They’re a shelter for animals in need and they do an awesome job… my own Boo is a shelter dog but you would think she came from Tiffany’s (she has attitude). When you’re there… read about Heidi above and see what you can do to help!!

Sorry I was MIA for a few days but it was MY turn to make the doughnuts!