It was perfect weather for the summer solstice, as well as the Group for the East End’s “Here Comes The Sun” Benefit held at Wölffer Estate Vineyards in Sagaponack on Saturday, June 21, 2014.
According to Robert DeLuca, president of the Group for the East End, their big campaign right now is clean water, “Increasingly, there have been more problems with the ground and surface water mostly related to human sewage. Nitrogen is very bad for a marine ecosystem in large doses and can cause a shortage of fish as well as oxygen. Required water management is particularly important in this region because of the proximity to beaches, as well as just regular drinking water. This didn’t seem to be as big of a problem several years back, but has crept up over time.” Jennifer Garvey, a supervisor of Anna Throne-Holst has initiated several water research facilities on the east end to experiment which types work better. The biggest concern is pricing, and getting loans, as well as getting the technologies to the marketplace. “She has been supportive, terrific, helpful and smart,” said DeLuca.
One of the event chairs, Katherine Birch, told Hamptons.com that she was “very lucky that the longest day of the year was also the most beautiful so far,” just in time for this event. “I’m just really excited to be protecting the nature of the place we love,” said Birch. She was thrilled with the way the tent decorations came out, as well as the amazing silent and live auction prizes such as a Colorado ranch getaway for six people, or a four-person getaway to Tuscany and Florence. Given that the theme was, “Here Comes The Sun,” they chose a bright pink, orange and purple color palette. The artist, Justin Gaffrey was painting a piece of an Osprey live during the event, as well as another piece depending on his inspiration. She said she was lucky to have so many great friends and supporters at this event.
Designer Nicole Miller arrived at sunset looking chic as always. Joey Wölffer arrived giggling with a friend and chatting it up with Campion Platt and Tatiana Platt. The Group for the East End expected about 350 people to attend the event in total.