Time is running out, Hamptonites! No, not summer per se, but to pick from your favorite causes and show up to support them. As soon as tonight you can gussy up for a good cause, dragging that dress or suit from the closet you’ve been gunning to glam in and doing it with big benes for your local community.
If you think that not-for-profits get their operating expenses from federal and state grants, that’s simply not always the case (and, with federal slashing of even beloved institutions like public radio and PBS, nothing can be taken for granted, friends; not even Kermit the Frog). According to the National Council for Nonprofits, foundation grants represent only a small bit of the total dollars received annually. The majority of funds come from individuals who care. That’s you.
So break out that checkbook and don’t wait until the end of the year to give. Here are a few upcoming not-for-profit parties worth your while. And hey, the price of admission is tax deductible and you get to have a good time. Step-out under the stars for one of these worthy fundraisers — your good time will go to a good cause.
Duck Creek’s Annual Benefit Party, July 25, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grassroots arts institutions are not an easy feat to pull off in the high-priced Hamptons, but the Arts Center at Duck Creek (127 Squaw Road, Springs) has long been committed to uplifting artists. So much so, that they’re a work of art themselves. Giving to them enables these good folks to continue offering free, inclusive programming for the community at large and artists who need the space and place. This year, expect great live music (Kaoru Watanabe!), lots of local food and drink (Balsam Farms, Quail Hill Farm, Newlight Beadwork’s, Almond Restaurant, Montauk Pearl Oysters, East Hampton Kitchen and Sagaponack Distilling among them) and a not-to-be-missed art auction of Duck Creek alumni artists. Tickets start at $150. Get yours here.
Project MOST Building Blocks Summer Benefit, Sunday, July 27, 4 to 6 p.m.
Come hang out in the gorgeous gardens at Moby’s (341 pantigo Road, East Hampton) for some late-afternoon, family-friendly feel-good fun to support this kid-boosting local organization. Hip-shake to the jazzy tones of the Bill O’Connell Jazz Trio, sip on cocktails for the grown-ups or grab a cone for kids from A La Mode. And if you want, stick around for the dinner afterward (because you’ll likely not want to leave this lovely place) for dinner at Moby’s, who will be offering a 10% discount for attendees. Sweet! Honoring Joe and Cindy Realmuto, who’ve been unwavering advocates for the organization, you can grab you tickets, which starts at $150 for an individual and $250 for a couple, here.
Guild Hall’s 2025 Summer Gala, Friday, August 1, 6 to 11 p.m.
Have you been to Guild Hall (158 Main St., East Hampton) lately? We have and, boy, are we ever blow away by the amazing programming, incredibly kind and lovely staff and — the cherry on top — the gorgeous renovations that we’re still ogling. There are a few ways to hit up their annual Gala: Go for the pre-game cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m. ($500 per ticket), hit up the whole cocktails-dinner-after-party plan to-cocktails enchilada ($2,500 a pop), or take a disco nap and dance the night away at the after-party ($250). Grab your spot here.
Southampton Hospital Foundation’s 67th Annual Summer Party, August 2, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Need a little getaway? Stony Book Southampton Hospital’s annual Summer Party is wrapping itself in a “Night in Marrakesh” theme, all to support the life-saving work they do to keep us all alive and well. Benefitting Southampton Hospital and the brand new Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department, the night will fête honoree Kate and Andrew Davis. Get ready to be wowed by DeJuan Stroud’s transformation of the Hamptons into Morocco, with inspired food by Elegant Affairs, wine from the wonderful Wölffer Estate Vineyard and a the lounge-y stylings of American Idol alum Christiaan Padavan. Individual tickets start at $2,000. Get yours here.
Shelter Island History Center’s Artemas Ward Garden Party, August 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Boy, were we disappointed that the recent budget vote on Shelter Island left the History Center out in the cold. They do so very much for Shelter Island as the keepers of all that is historically sacred, and using those treasured archives to tie the past to the present in the most creative of ways. Take a rare trip to the turn of the last century with this fundraiser on the grounds the historic Shorewood Manor, nibble on noshables from All Seasons Catering and groove to the live sounds of Erich Carey and the Constituency. Tickets start at $275 — here’s where you can grab yours to make sure this important island institution keeps on keepin’ on.
Wags & Pups: The Art of Rescue at The Clubhouse, August 14, 5 to 8 p.m.
If gowns and galas aren’t exactly your bag, but frolicking with furry friend is, this benefit to raise funds for Wags & Walks, a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to reducing the amount of euthanized animals in shelters. This is a tail-wagging, family-friendly evening, with crafts (dog-themed, of course — you can even craft your own dog collar), puppy portraits, a puppy play lounge, adoptions (come on, you know you want a dog!), balloon art, and stuffed animals and other treats for the taking. Technically, the event is free to attend but, come on, pony up for the pups!
ARF Hampton’s Bow Wow Meow Ball, Saturday, August 16, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Head to the William P. Raynor Training Center, and you can help support their incredible, big-hearted rescue efforts in style. Come on down for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the garden tent, followed by dinner by Olivier Cheng, dessert from Loaves and Fishes, wine from Kontokosta Winery, music from DJ Othello (and some cool live stylings, too) and the pup-tastic Parade of Animals. Hey, don’t be surprised if you go home with a new friend. This year’s event honors Ellen and Chuck Scarborough. Tickets start at $1,500 and you can get yours here.
