The South of France came to the Hamptons as the French Heritage Society hosted its fourth annual Summer Soirée on July 17 at the beautiful Bridgehampton home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Provence, the evening welcomed nearly 240 guests for a celebration of French culture, philanthropy, and historic preservation.
Under the leadership of chairs CeCe Black, Maria Fishel, Rosann Gutman, and Ann Van Ness, supporters gathered for what proved to be the organization’s most successful Summer Soirée to date. The evening raised significant funds for the French Heritage Society’s restoration grants, educational initiatives, and student internship programs, while also benefiting the organization’s New York Chapter. Proceeds will support preservation grants for Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, Villa Albertine, and St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City.
Guests were welcomed by the hosts alongside French Heritage Society Executive Director Jennifer Herlein before enjoying an evening that captured the relaxed sophistication of a Provençal summer. Revel Rouge founder Hank Stampfl transformed the property with elegant décor, while tables were beautifully appointed with pieces from Christofle, Baccarat, and SFERRA. Champagne EPC flowed throughout the evening as guests mingled beneath the Hamptons sky.
The celebration drew a distinguished crowd from the worlds of philanthropy, fashion, business, and the arts. Among those in attendance were Jean Shafiroff, Jennifer Farrell, Kenneth Hausman, Brenda Howard, Patricia Cossutta Arostegui, Puly Rincon, Candace Bushnell, Veronique Gabai, Lee Black, Sharon Bush, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Leesa Rowland and Larry Wohl, Martin Shafiroff, Elizabeth Steimberg and David Weiner, Pamela Morgan, Suzie and Pierre Villere, and many other longtime supporters of the organization.
As the sun set over Bridgehampton, French-American vocalist Quentin Bruno, known for his appearance on The Voice: La plus belle voix, took the stage alongside Danny Lipsitz & The Brass Tacks, filling the dance floor and keeping guests celebrating well into the evening.
Founded in 1982, the French Heritage Society has become a leading force in preserving French architectural and cultural heritage while strengthening the historic ties between France and the United States. Over the past four decades, the organization has awarded more than $16.5 million in restoration and cultural grants and has supported nearly 600 student internships on both sides of the Atlantic.
The record-breaking Summer Soirée reflected the organization’s growing momentum and the continued enthusiasm of its supporters. Looking ahead, the French Heritage Society will continue its busy season with an Ambassador’s Circle trip to Provence this September, followed by its New York Gala Dinner Dance in November, Palm Beach Gala in February 2027, Palm Beach Luncheon in April, and its 45th Anniversary Gala in Paris in October 2027.
