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.