Celebrate The Wonders Of The Wild With SOFO’s 30th Anniversary Summer Gala

The South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) is marking 30 years of nature conservation and celebrating in a very big way with their annual Summer Gala on Saturday, July 13 from 6-11 p.m. at the Museum. The goal of SOFO is to support nature conservation, education, and exploration, as well as encourage families to become responsible stewards of our planet. The fundraiser will benefit over 270 annual educational and environmental programming and initiatives at the Museum.

“Nothing means more to me than teaching children about the environment. It’s important to remember that animals, like humans, have homes, and it’s our responsibility as stewards of the planet to sustain and protect the natural world,” remarked Andy Sabin, President of the SOFO Board of Directors, avid environmentalist, conservationist and wildlife enthusiast. “What we need to do is foster compassion for other living things, and I believe the best way to do that is through direct experiences with nature.”

This year Dr. Demian Chapman will be commemorated with The Alan Rabinowitz 2019 SOFO Species Visionary Award. Dr. Chapman is Project Leader of Save our Seas Foundation and is an internationally recognized shark expert whose efforts have contributed to species protection. Trammell S. Crow will be honored with SOFO’s 2019 Environmental Education Visionary Award. Crow, the Founder of Earth Day Texas, has tirelessly worked in advancing sustainable and resilient communities to best support Earth’s natural systems, stem climate change, protect human health and improve livability for all.

Lastly, Greg Manocherian has earned SOFO’s 2019 Environmental Excellence Humanitarian Award. He works as a real estate magnate who is passionately committed to advancing the pace of progress and discovery in medical research. Manocherian is Vice Chairman of ACT for NIH: Advancing Cures Today, a non-partisan effort committed to advancing biomedical research in the United States. He is also a longstanding supporter of environmental conservation. Carole Crist, Georgia & Dr. Gerry Curatola, Eric Goode, April Gornik & Eric Fischl, Susan & David Rockefeller, and Liev Schreiber will serve as Gala Chairs.

Last year’s event welcomed more than 500 guests. This year’s soiree will feature a special tasting menu created and presented by acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs including The Bell & Anchor, Bostwick’s Clambakes & Catering, Calissa Hamptons, Centro, East Hampton Grill, The Golden Pear, Grace & Grit, Grand Banks, Hamptons Farms, Montauk Shellfish Company, Page At 63 Main, Saaz Restaurant, and Southampton Social Club.

“Our 30th Anniversary Gala Benefit promises to be a very special one as we are honoring scientists and philanthropists committed to conserving our environment. We thank everyone for supporting SoFo, and we encourage everyone to reserve their tickets and tables for this memorable celebration very soon as we have limited availability,” shared SOFO’s Development Director, Diana Aceti.

The main reception, from 7 to 11 p.m., will include an Honoree Presentation, a buffet dinner catered by Elegant Affairs Catering, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the 80s sounds of the In The Groove Band. Sips will be provided by Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Channing Daughters Winery, J.A. Baczewski Vodka & Gin, Cloud Water Brands, Doña Sarita Mezcal, Hampton Coffee Company, Montauk Brewing Company, and Two Chick. Car enthusiasts will have the chance to test drive three Rolls-Royce models on site during the event.

The evening will also celebrate budding stewards, with scholarships that include the 2019 SOFO Environmental Scholarship Award, made possible by a grant from BNB Bank; The 2019 Mulvihill Family Environmental Scholarship, made possible by Mary Mulvihill; and The 2019 Blackmore Family Horticulture Foundation, made possible by a grant from Summerhill Landscapes.

“With the support of our donors, sponsors, volunteers and other friends, SOFO has launched many new projects and initiatives our community outreach, with programs focusing on green architecture, STEAM-related programs, health and wellness forums and our new, year-long Protecting our Long Island Environment Program, offered free of charge made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor,” said SOFO Executive Director Frank Quevedo. “Designed for young naturalists, the activities correlate with elementary school science content and Next Generation Science standards, and are taught by local, certified elementary school teachers with bilingual support for English language learners.”

Tickets to SoFo’s Summer Gala start at $500 and $275 for Young Professionals.

South Fork Natural History Museum is located at 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit sofo.org or call 631-537-9735.