Southampton Hospital Foundation gala raises more than $1.8 million

The Southampton Hospital Foundation’s 68th Annual Summer Party raised more than $1.8 million on Aug. 1 in Southampton, New York, to support Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department. The event drew more than 450 guests and featured a live auction, dinner, dancing and a second safari package added after bidding ran high.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser will help support Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department. - Proceeds are intended to advance innovative programs, leading-edge technology and compassionate care for the East End community. - The event remains one of the Hamptons’ most visible summer benefit traditions.

What happened: - The Southampton Hospital Foundation hosted its 68th Annual Summer Party on Saturday, Aug. 1, beneath the tents on Wickapogue Road in Southampton, New York. - More than 450 guests attended the event, which raised more than $1.8 million. - The evening centered on a 1940s Supper Club theme, billed as “An Evening at the Supper Club.”

The details: - Event designer DeJuan Stroud created the setting with candlelight and classic décor. - Christiaan Padavan provided live music during the evening. - Elegant Affairs handled the dinner service. - Cocktails featured Macklowe Whiskey and Château Sainte Marguerite rosé. - Lydia Fenet led the live auction. - A luxury safari to Ongava Game Reserve in Namibia sparked heavy bidding. - The auction demand led Fenet to add a second safari package so another bidder could win the trip. - Dessert service included family-style desserts, Dolce & Gelato and Dreesen's Doughnuts. - The Frank Simmons Band closed the night with dancing. - The 2026 vice chairs were Jill Davis, Hollis Forbes, Laura Lofaro Freeman, Sheila Fuchs, Liz Lange, Jackie Mitchell, Margo Nederlander, Jean Shafiroff, Melanie Wambold, Cindy Willis and Sarah Wetenhall. - Nancy Stone served as Corporate Partnership Chair. - Fern Mallis served as Fashion Chair. - Associate Chairs included Brooke Bohnsack, Elizabeth Bowden, Kingsley Crawford, Haley Ludlow, Jacqueline McDermott, Caitlin Diebold O'Connell, Kristin Pasternak and Eric Travis. - Media sponsors included Dan's Papers, Express News Group, Hamptons Magazine, James Lane Post, Social Life and Spotlight on the Hamptons. - Supporters included Alina de Almeida and John Paulson, Howard and Wendy Cox, Jay Lieberman, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Louise and Howard Phanstiel, Charlotte and Alejandro Santo Domingo, Barbara and Randall Smith, Fern Mallis, Julie and Billy Macklowe, Candace Bushnell, Peter Thomas Roth, William Wertheim, Andrea Goldsmith and others.

Between the lines: - The size of the crowd and the auction intensity suggest the Summer Party continues to be a major social and fundraising draw in the region. - The event’s mix of luxury experiences, prominent local supporters and repeat leadership shows how the Foundation uses a high-profile format to sustain donor engagement. - The addition of a second safari package underscores how competitive bidding can push fundraising totals higher in live-auction settings.

What’s next: - The Southampton Hospital Foundation said the proceeds will support care and programs for the East End community. - The Foundation’s website has more information at Southampton Hospital Foundation. - The organization also shared updates on Instagram.

The bottom line: - The 68th Annual Summer Party turned a signature Hamptons gala into a seven-figure boost for local hospital services.