SOFO Hosts 26th Annual Summer Benefit

The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center (SoFo), in Bridgehampton recently hosted their 26th Annual Summer Benefit, SoFo Celebrates the East End on Saturday, July 11.

Over 500 guests attended the event which raised funds for SoFo’s educational and environmental programming and celebrated the East End’s local visionaries.

Co-Chairs Top Chef Kerry Heffernan; Susan Rockefeller, who recently released her new documentary, Food For Thought, Food For Life; and Hamptons Magazine Editor-In-Chief Samantha Yanks greeted the guests that included Andy Sabin, Peter Beard, Michael Cinque, Bonnie Comley and Stewart Lane, Michele and Mary Cohen, Honoree April Gornik, Honoree Adrian Grenier, Richie Notar, Toni Ross, Carl Safina, Honoree Willi Salm, Jeff Tarr, and Harris Yulin, among others.

Highlights of the evening include a surprise birthday celebration for Honoree Adrian Grenier, who was presented with a special “salamander” cake by Chef Peter Ambrose, and a special tribute which included a presentation of engraved Chefs Knives by Korin Japanese Tableware and Chefs Knives to the Food Champions and Chefs who donated a special tasting menu and their services to benefit the Museum.

“Our 26th Annual Summer Gala Benefit is our most important fundraiser of the year, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Sofo,” Diana Aceti, Director of Development said. “The museum is a very important resource that educates and inspires children and adults to become engaged and responsible caretakers of our planet now and for decades to come. The museum’s exhibits, programs, nature talks and trails, and outdoor experiences are essential to SoFo’s mission of conserving and preserving the natural resources of eastern Long Island.”

Photos: Michael Heller and Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com