SOFO plans 37th annual summer gala in Bridgehampton

The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center will host its 37th Annual Summer Gala on July 11 in Bridgehampton to raise support for environmental education, conservation and community outreach. Fabien Cousteau, Bernadette Castro, Louise and Stephen Pesce, and Jean Shafiroff will be honored at the benefit.

Why it matters: - SOFO’s summer gala is one of the East End’s signature fundraising events for environmental education and conservation work. - Proceeds will support museum programming, conservation initiatives and community outreach tied to the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center. - The event also spotlights leaders and supporters who have backed ocean, land and community protection efforts.

What happened: - The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center will hold its 37th Annual Summer Gala Benefit on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the museum in Bridgehampton. - The gala runs from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - The 2026 honorees are Fabien Cousteau, Bernadette Castro, Louise and Stephen Pesce, and Jean Shafiroff. - The event theme is “Celebrate the Power of Our Natural World: Protecting Our Planet’s Living Waters & Lands.”

The details: - The evening begins with a VIP cocktail reception from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - The reception will feature a tasting menu from chefs, restaurants and beverage sponsors. - Participating names include Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Bell & Anchor, Channing Daughters Winery, East Hampton Grill, Events by Peter Ambrose, Golden Pear Cafe, Hampton Coffee Company, J.A. Baczewski Monopolowa Gin & Vodka, Kidd Squid Brewing Co., LALO Tequila, LDV at the Maidstone, Lobster Roll/LUNCH, Michael Cinque, Page Sag Harbor, Sen, Shellworks, Shippy’s, Springs Tavern & Grill, Talkhouse Encore, The Palm Restaurant and Wölffer Estate Vineyard. - The benefit party follows from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with dinner, an honoree presentation, a live auction and dancing. - Angela LaGreca will serve as special guest auctioneer. - The host committee, listed as in formation, includes Erica Noble and Ray Iwanowski, Kim and Greg Lippmann, Mark Masone, Mirella Cameron-Riley, Susan and David Rockefeller, Samriti and Scott Seltzer, and Lisa Tamburini. - Gala sponsors include 2026 Hamptons Concours d’Elegance by Rand Luxury, Decco by Party Up Productions, DG Creative Media, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, Hampton Coffee Company, National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions, Russell Mittermeier, Carl Safina & The Safina Center, Something Different Party Rental, Summerhill Landscape and Whitmores. - Media sponsors include Dan’s Papers, Hamptons Magazine, The Express News Group and James Lane Post. - VIP tables range from $7,500 to $50,000. - Individual tickets are $1,500 for general admission and $2,000 for VIP single tickets. - Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available at SOFO’s summer gala page.

Between the lines: - The honoree list blends ocean science, civic leadership, philanthropy and longtime local support, signaling that SOFO is using the gala to reinforce both mission and community ties. - The sponsor and media lists suggest broad local and regional support for the event, even as several lists are noted as still in formation. - The pricing structure points to a high-end fundraising format aimed at major donors and supporters rather than a broad-ticket event.

What’s next: - SOFO will use the gala to raise funds for education, conservation and outreach programs. - The museum is directing interested attendees to its gala information page for tickets, tables and sponsorships. - More information is available at SOFO’s main website.

The bottom line: - SOFO is turning its annual summer gala into a marquee fundraising night for environmental education, with high-profile honorees and a broad sponsor base at the center of the effort.