The South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO), the only state-of-the-art natural history museum on the South Fork of Long Island, is pleased to announce that their 35^th Annual Summer Gala Benefit (Preserving Our Planet For Future Generations) will take place at the museum in Bridgehampton on Saturday, July 13^th, 2024, to benefit SOFO’s educational and environmental programs and initiatives, empowering families to be responsible stewards of our planet. This year Liev Schreiber will serve as the Gala Ambassador and the event will be chaired by Kim and Greg Lippmann, and Erica Noble & Ray Iwanowski.

The event will commemorate 35 years of leadership in nature conservation and education, and growth from a small nature clubhouse founded in 1988 by SOFO Board President Andrew Sabin and a group of South Fork naturalists concerned about the future of the area’s fragile ecosystems, to an acclaimed state-of-the-art museum highly regarded for its outstanding nature exhibits and over 270 annual educational programs focusing on environmental stewardship, climate change, sustainable energy, marine science, community outreach, and more. SOFO works with people of all ages, offering hope and purpose as we strive to ensure the well-being and sustainability of our planet.

This year’s summer gala benefit will honor Conservationists Anke and Jürgen Friedrich, Susan and David Rockefeller, as well as National Geographic Society President Michael Ulica. They will be recognized for their commitment to preserving the environment and ecosystem.

The evening will kick off with a VIP cocktail reception from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm and feature tasting menus from Barons Cove, Bell & Anchor, East Hampton Grill, Farm & Forage, Golden Pear, Page Sag Harbor, Saaz, Shellworks, Southampton Social Club, 1760 Homestead Farm, Tapovana Lunch Box, The Beacon, Union Burger. The main reception will follow and include the honoree presentation, auction, dinner, and dancing. Dinner will be catered by Distinctive Catering/ Events by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, with flowers donated by Designs by Mark Masone. Spirits and beverages will be provided by Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Channing Daughters Winery,  Hampton Coffee Company, J.A. Baczewski Monopolowa Gin & Vodka, Golden Pear Iced Teas, Kidd Squid, Michael Cinque, Talkhouse Encore.

SOFO’s gala sponsors include Decco by Party Up, Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, Gold Coast Valet, Carl Safina and the Safina Center, Stamford Tent, and The Biscotti Company (list in formation).

Media sponsors include Dan’s Papers, Hamptons.com, Hamptons Magazine,  Hampton Sheet, James Lane Post, The Express News Group, 27east.com and Social Life.

VIP Tickets that include the VIP Cocktail Reception and seated dinner are $1,800 and general admission tickets including seated dinner are $1000. VIP Tables range from $6,000 - $50,000. Personalized sponsorship packages are available. For VIP tickets, tables, and business sponsorship opportunities, call Diana Aceti, Director of Development at 631-903- 7217 or email daceti@sofo.org. General admission tickets can be purchased online at​ ​https://sofo.org/summer-gala-35/ or by calling 631-537-9735.

The South Fork Natural History Museum

The mission of the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) is to stimulate interest in, advance knowledge of, and foster appreciation for the natural environment, with special emphasis on the unique natural history of Long Island’s South Fork. SOFO​ ​is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 nature organization chartered by the New York State Department of Education. SOFO is located at 377 Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor Turnpike, PO Box 455, Bridgehampton NY 11932,​ ​http://www.sofo.org​, and is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, call 631-537-9735. SOFO is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 nature organization chartered by the New York State Department of Education.