The South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO), the only state-of-the-art natural history museum on the South Fork of Long Island, will host its 34th Annual Summer Gala Benefit (The Nurturing Power of Nature) to honor acclaimed environmentalists and humanitarians on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm. This event will benefit SOFO’s educational and environmental programs and initiatives empowering families to be responsible stewards of our planet and starting the conversation.
This year’s summer gala will be co-hosted by actor, director, screenwriter, narrator and producer Liev Schreiber and SOFO Founder Andy Sabin, as they honor some special friends of SOFO’s. The evening Host Committee will include Sissi Bohlen, Carole Crist, Anke & Jürgen Friedrich, Kimberly Goff, Julia Haart, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, Kim & Greg Lippmann, Rolise Rachel, Susan & David Rockefeller, Ada Samuelsson, and Sammi & Scott Seltzer. Conservationist Kris McDivitt Tompkins, who stars in the new documentary Wild Life, will also make a special remote guest appearance.
Honorees for the evening will include Yvon Chouinard, environmental champion who have made the extraordinary move to transfer ownership of Patagonia to two new entities: Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective with every dollar that is not reinvested into Patagonia being used to protect the planet; Dan & Rae Emmett, nature enthusiasts who led Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Green Building Initiative, and established the number-one environmental law program in the country; and Basil Seggos, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Co-Chair of the State’s Climate Action Council, who oversees programs that promote a clean, healthy, and accessible environment, including protecting and restoring New York’s air, lands and waters; combatting climate change; and enforcing State environmental laws and regulations. Annette Sabin, the Matriarch of the Sabin Family, will receive the Posthumous Animal Advocate Extraordinaire Award for her love of nature and wildlife, which was a constant inspiration to her son Andy Sabin, who co-founded the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) with other naturalists in 1988.
The VIP cocktail reception will be held from 6 pm-7 pm with a tasting menu by acclaimed chefs from Almond Restaurant & Bar, Peter Ambrose, Bamboo Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Bell & Anchor, The Beacon, Centro, East Hampton Grill, Hen of the Woods, Old Stove Pub, Page at 63 Main, Saaz, 1760 Homestead Farm and Shellworks. Music will be provided by Alfredo Merat.
The honoree presentation, seated dinner, auction, and dancing will take place from 7 pm-10 pm. The event will be catered by Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs Catering with flowers by Designs by Mark Mason, coffee drinks by Hampton Coffee Company and music by DJ Epic. Beverages for the evening will be provided by Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Channing Daughters Winery, Lalo Tequila, Michael Cinque, J.A. Baczewski Monopolowa Gin & Vodka, Kidd Squid Brewing Co., Soirée Mocktails, Springs Brewery, Talkhouse Encore and Top Hops Craft Beer.
Media sponsors include Dan’s Papers, The Express News Group, James Lane Post, Social Life Magazine and Southforker.
VIP Tickets are priced at $1,400 and general admission tickets are priced at $550. VIP tables range from $6,000 for six people, $10,000 - $50,000 for ten guests and more. Personalized sponsorship packages are also available for $2,750 to $50,000. For VIP tickets, tables, and business sponsorship opportunities, call Diana Aceti, Director of Development at 631-903- 7217 or email dianaaceti@gmail.com. General admission tickets can be purchased online athttps://sofo.org/summer-gala or by calling 631-537-9735.
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.