Photo Credit: Rob Rich I www.SocietyAllure.com
On Saturday, July 13th, the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO), the only state-of-the-art natural history museum on the South Fork of Long Island, celebrated the spectacular nature conservation efforts of the museum’s last 35 years at their Annual Summer Gala Benefit (Preserving Our Planet For Future Generations) at The South Fork Natural History Museum in Bridgehampton, NY. The festive evening, which was created and produced by Diana Aceti, raised funds that surpassed the museum’s goal for SOFO’s educational and environmental programs and initiatives.
This year the summer gala was hosted by SOFO Founder Andy Sabin and Liev Schreiber served as the Gala Ambassador. The evenings chairs were Kim & Greg Lippmann and Erica Noble & Ray Iwanowski.
The gala honored acclaimed Conservationists Anke and Jürgen Friedrich, Susan and David Rockefeller, and National Geographic Society President Michael Ulica.
The event was attended by over 400 guests, who helped make the evening so successful raising significant funds for SOFO programs, initiatives, and environmental projects. A special ask was made to support programs geared for underserved families in the community. Music for the evening was provided by DJ Pete and Alfredo Merat.
During the VIP cocktail reception, guests were able to tour the museum and grounds, while admiring some magnificent birds of prey and their ambassadors from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue and enjoying a tasting menucreated and donated by acclaimed chefs fromBarons Cove, The Bell & Anchor, East Hampton Grill, Farm & Forage, Golden Pear, Lobster Roll, Page Sag Harbor, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, Saaz, Shellworks, Southampton Social Club, 1760 Homestead Farm, Tapovana Lunch Box, and Union Burger.
The reception dinner was presented by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection with flowers by Designs by Mark Mason, coffee drinks by Hampton Coffee Company and music by DJ Pete. Beverages for the evening were provided by Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Aphrodise,Aplós, Channing Daughters Winery, Field & Sound Whiskey, J.A. Baczewski Monopolowa Gin & Vodka, Kidd Squid Brewing Co., LALO Tequila, Papa’s Pilar Rum and Talkhouse Encore.
During the live auction, guests had the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences including a breathtaking stay on the Amalfi Coast in a luxurious 4-bed villa for up to 8 people, a Nature Adventure in the Wild Azores Islands, a French Wine Experience and stay at an 18th century Chateaux in Bordeaux, a Scotland Championship Golf Experience with a four-night stay at Fairmont St. Andrews Resort, a Golf Experience in St. George, Utah, a Napa Wine Experience including a stay at Meritage Resort and Spa, a Tuscany Villa Experience paired with a Florence stay, a half-day Fishing Excursion in Montauk on a 60′ Bertram yacht, and an America’s Cup Yacht Sailing Adventure in San Francisco. These packages included unique amenities such as private boat tours, chef-prepared meals, hot air balloon rides, and guided tours.
