Hetrick-Martin Institute Celebrates School’s Out In The Hamptons

The Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) hosted the 14th annual School’s Out benefit on Saturday, June, 8, 2013. Brendan Monaghan of GQ, Bobby Graham of InStyle, and Alfredo Paredes of Ralph Lauren served as co-chairs while Bravo’s Andy Cohen was this years Honorary Chair. The fundraiser which was held at the East Hampton home of Peter Wilson and Scott Sanders, raised over $225,000.

Guests were transported in style, courtesy of the fleet of MINI Cooper Countryman which shuttled guests back and forth. Once at the estate, party-goers were greeted by HMI Youth Members Nicholas Rivera who feels HMI “is home” and for Decorious “Deon” Sheppard, “HMI is a support system.” During the benefit guests enjoyed music by DJ Lisle, were treated to delicious bites and sipped on specialty cocktails from Smirnoff Sorbet, Bulleit Bourbon and Ketel One Vodka which were delivered through a Ketel One bottle shaped ice luge. For this years School’s Out, HMI also partnered with A|X Armani Exchange and the Greater Gotham MINI Cooper dealers as well as sponsors Barry’s Bootcamp, Solstice Sunglasses, and ic! Berlin.

“It’s events like School’s Out and the supporters, donors, and corporate sponsors that give so generously, that allow us to provide year round services to 2,500 LGBTQ youth each year,” noted HMI Executive Director Thomas Krever. “We are incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to share the work that we do; whether it’s our mental health and emotional support or academic enrichment and job readiness (the largest after school programs in the nation) or the largest hot meals program throughout homeless youth outreach programs (we serve over 12,000 meals a year for homeless street youth).”

HMI is the nations oldest and largest LGBTQ youth service organization. Money raised from School’s Out will directly provide HMI youth with the programs and services necessary to help them reach their full potential.

For more information visit www.hmi.org.