The inaugural Summer Soirée hosted by the French Heritage Society (FHS) on Friday, July 28th, 2023, was a delightful event held at the residence of Maria and Kenneth Fishel in Bridgehampton, NY. The occasion was a cocktail party set around the pool area and under an elegant tent on the Fishel property. The stunning artwork on display at the event was provided by Christofle.
The French Heritage Society is known for its dedication to preserving and promoting French cultural heritage both in France and the United States. The Summer Soirée served as a gathering for like-minded individuals who appreciate and support the preservation of French art, culture, and architecture.
Guests enjoyed cocktails, conversations, and the picturesque surroundings of the Fishel residence -the location and the elegant ambiance made the event a memorable evening for all attendees.
The unforgettable soirée was held at the behest of Host Committee CeCe Black, Maria Fishel, French Heritage Society Board Chairman Elizabeth F. Stribling, and Ann Van Ness, andin the presence of Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy in the United States Gaëtan Bruel. Golden Benefactor supporters included Patricia Cossutta Arostegui and Egle Rincon, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Melody Clarke, Alina and Rich Dovere, Mitchell Draizin, Rosann Gutman, Brenda Howard, Helen K. King, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Judy McLaren, Frank Morgan and Brent Feigenbaum, Maria Pessino, Nicole Salmasi, Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, Maria Pessino, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Lauren and Geoff Smart, and Tom Brown and Missy Van Buren-Brown. Young Patron Benefactors included Elena Ayot, Stark D. Kirby, Jr. and Collin Kearby, and Julissa Perez. Generous support for the evening was also given by Nanci and Nick Lanni.
Esteemed guests included: Jacques Acoca, Julie Auclair, Richard Anderman, Chris Arlotta, Susan and Gerald Baker, Carol Beladora, Connie Bregman, Geoffrey Bradfield and William Feathersby, Rosalie Brinton, Philippe Brugere-Trelat, Rufus Chen and Blake Funston, Melody Clarke, Paul Danello and Virginia Loving Pope, Michael Dorenfeld, Vincent Festa, Celso Gonzalez Falla, Bradley and Alexandra Fishel, Lauren Willis Grover and Colin Grover, David Hayes, Sylvia Hemingway, French Heritage Society Executive Director Jennifer Herlein, Amy Hoadley, David Hochberg, Paula Hunnicut, Martha and Lawrence Johnston, Cheri Kaufman and Bill Slight, Susan Kremer, William Luby, Ruth Miller, Mar and William Morosse, Alexandra Nicklas, Mario Pecoraro, Abigail Pollak, Kathy Prounis, Lauren and Bob Roberts, Guy N. Robinson, Patricia and Thomas Shiah, Ramona Singer, Paula and Robert Smalley, Elizabeth Steimberg, Bill Van Ness, Andrea and Joel Wernick, and Andrew Werner.
Remarks were made during the event by individuals including Maria Fishel, Elizabeth F. Stribling, Ann Van Ness, and Gaëtan Bruel. The main focus of their remarks was on highlighting the significant role played by FHS (presumably an organization or institution) in safeguarding French architectural and cultural heritage.
Gaëtan Bruel, in particular, referred to the organization as the “American Friends of France,” indicating that it supports various projects not only in France but also in the United States. This suggests that the organization has a transatlantic approach to its efforts in preserving and promoting French cultural and architectural treasures.
The Summer Soirée is an event that aims to provide crucial support for FHS’s. Their primary goal is to ensure the preservation and protection of the shared French architectural and cultural heritage, so that these treasures can continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.
The event serves as a fundraising platform, and the proceeds generated from the Summer Soirée are used to support various initiatives and projects related to the preservation of French heritage. This financial support is essential for carrying out preservation efforts, restoration projects, educational programs, and other activities that contribute to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage.
In addition to supporting the organization’s broader mission, specific funds raised during the Summer Soirée were designated for a particular project: the restoration grant to the Grand Palais in Paris. The Grand Palais is an iconic historical monument in Paris and has been chosen to host fencing and taekwondo events during the 2024 Olympics.
The funds raised for the Grand Palais restoration grant will be used to finance necessary renovations, repairs, and conservation efforts to ensure that the venue is in top condition for hosting Olympic events. This is a significant contribution as it not only aids in preserving a historical landmark but also helps to enhance its functionality for a prestigious international sporting event like the Olympics.
Overall, the combination of funds raised from the Summer Soirée provides vital support to FHS’s mission in preserving French architectural and cultural heritage, as well as making a direct impact on the restoration and enhancement of a significant historical venue like the Grand Palais.
