Sands Point Preserve to Host ‘Gala Blanca: An Evening in France,’ Honoring Jack Mandel

The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy invites the community to an unforgettable evening of French-inspired elegance during “Gala Blanca: An Evening in France,” on Thursday, Aug. 6, in the gardens of the historic Hempstead House.

Guests are encouraged to dress in white, and the Preserve’s gardens, overlooking the harbor, will be transformed into the French countryside. The evening will feature handcrafted cocktails, an elegant dinner, live entertainment evoking the streets of Paris and dancing under the stars – all to support the Conservancy's historic, natural and community resources.

This year's gala will honor Jack Mandel, a longtime member of the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy's Board of Directors, whose decades of leadership and generosity helped shape the Preserve’s continued growth and success.

Known as “The Bead Man,” Mandel has delighted countless people by giving away handcrafted bracelets through his company, Harman Beads. A resident of Port Washington and Sands Point for more than 50 years, he is admired for his warmth, humor and commitment to the community.

“Jack’s generosity and enthusiasm have touched so many, both at the Preserve and throughout Port Washington," said Sands Point Preserve Conservancy Executive Director Jeremiah Bosgang. “We are honored to celebrate his remarkable contributions during this truly magical evening.”

General admission tickets are $195 plus fees and include dinner, open bar, entertainment and dancing from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Premium tickets, priced at $395 plus fees, include an exclusive cocktail toast honoring Jack Mandel from 5:30-6:30 p.m., gala admission and an exclusive post-gala “Moulin Rouge” cabaret performance, with an extended open bar from 9:30-11 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

All Gala Blanca proceeds will benefit the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the Preserve's historic grounds, natural landscapes, and educational, cultural and community programming.

About The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy:

The Sands Point Preserve, located on the former Guggenheim Estate, embodies the grandeur and elegance that define the Gold Coast period of the early 20th century, when prominent American families built great mansions on large estates along the Long Island Sound.In 1946, the United States Navy purchased the property, and it became the home of the Naval Training Device Center until 1970, at which time it was acquired by Nassau County.Today, the magnificent 216-acre park, including its historic mansions and the Phil Dejana Learning Center, is owned by Nassau County, NY, and is maintained and operated by the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Conservancy provides year-round educational and cultural programs, seasonal celebrations, mansion tours, wellness activities as well as private/corporate event services and film/TV location facilities. For more details, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org