(New York, NY – August 10, 2022) – On Saturday, August 6^th, the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO), the only state-of-the-art natural history museum on the South Fork of Long Island, celebrated the spectacular nature and ocean conservation efforts of the museum’s last 33 years at their Annual Summer Gala Benefit (Conserving Our Planet: The Future Starts Now) at The South Fork Natural History Museum in Bridgehampton, NY. The festive evening raised funds for SOFO’s educational and environmental programs and initiatives.

This year the summer gala benefit’s ambassador was Liev Schreiber, American actor, director, screenwriter, producer, and narrator. Schreiber was not able to attend at the last minute due to his work in the Ukraine. Sylvia Earle, the National Geographic Explorer and founder of Mission Blue, was honored for her unwavering commitment to protecting our oceans. Other individuals that were honored that night included special friends of SOFO Jim Ash, the first Executive Director of SOFO, Richard Grasso, former chairman, and chief executive of the New York Stock Exchange, SOFO Board Trustee Jeffrey C. Keil of Keil Fiduciary Strategies LLC, Greg Manocherian, the founder of RoeCo Holdings,  a private real estate investment and development company based in New York, and Carl Safina, founder of the Safina Center and author of Beyond Words: What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel, Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families Create Beauty and Achieve Peace, plus other writings about the human relationship with the natural world. 

The event was attended by over 400 guests, who helped make the evening a smashing success, raising significant funds for SOFO programs, initiatives, and environmental projects. A special ask was made to support programs geared for underserved families. 

During the VIP cocktail reception, guests were able to tour the museum and grounds and enjoyed tastings from Bamboo, Beacon, Bell & Anchor, East Hampton Grill, Eddie’s Pizza Truck, The Golden Pear, Montauk Shellfish Company, Page at 63 Main, Saaz, Shellworks, and Takumi Taco. Ambassadors of SOFO’s Native Wildlife from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center were on hand with their rare hawks and owls for guests to meet. The main reception followed, including the honoree presentation, a seated dinner, and dancing with DJ Danja.

The benefit gala’s main reception was hosted by Andy Sabin, SOFO President & Co-Founder; and Diana Aceti, SOFO Director of Development. The reception dinner was presented by Elegant Affairs Catering and guests indulged in cocktails and beverages provided by Michael Cinque, Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Channing Daughters Winery, J.A. Baczewski Monopolowa Vodka & Gin, Talkhouse Encore, Uni Tequila, and Hampton Coffee Company. Beautiful flowers were also provided by Mark Masone.

During the live auction, guests had the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences including an exclusive concert/dinner for two to see Andrea Bocelli. This incredible experience includes 2 premium seating tickets at the concert where guests will enjoy the full symphonic orchestra, choir, and host of special guests joining Mr. Bocelli on stage. Another auction item was the ultimate British open golf experience, which includes a game of championship golf for 2 on 5 former British Open golf courses, including all greens fees, starting times, and clubhouse access: Royal Troon Golf Club, Turnberry Resort-Ailsa Course, Kingsbarns Golf Links, Prestwick Golf Club, and Carnoustie Golf Links, in addition to a 3-night stay in a classic resort view room at the Turnberry Resort (Ayrshire) and another 3-night stay in a standard Fairmont room at the Fairmont St Andrews Daily full breakfast.

SOFO also gave a very special thank you to Anke & Jürgen Friedrich and Susan & David Rockefeller, chairs of SOFO’s educational and environmental programs and initiatives.

Media sponsors are Dan’s Papers, Hamptons Magazine, the James Lane Post, the Northforker, Sag Harbor Express, and Social Life Magazine. SOFO’s other gala sponsors included Amagansett Wine & Spirits, Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, J. A Baczewski, Bamboo, The Bell Anchor, Bill Miller & Associates, Carole Crist Capital with a Conscience, Channing Daughters, Decco, Digi Booths, East End Tick & Mosquito Control, East Hampton Grill, Eddie’s Pizza, Elegant Affairs, The Express-News Group, Greenberg Traurig, Hamptons Coffee Company, Moji Masala,  Montauk Brewing Co., Montauk Pearl Oysters, T-shirts by 1TEE10TREES, Page at 63 Main, Saaz, The Safina Center, Shellworks, Stamford Tent & Event Services, Summerhill Landscapes, Takumi Taco, Tso Uni, and TSO General Corp.

About The South Fork Natural History Museum:

The mission of the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) is to stimulate interest in, advance knowledge of, and foster appreciation for the natural environment, with special emphasis on the unique natural history of Long Island’s South Fork. SOFO​ ​is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 nature organization chartered by the New York State Department of Education. SOFO is located at 377 Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor Turnpike, PO Box 455, Bridgehampton NY 11932,​ ​http://www.sofo.org ​, and is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, call 631-537-9735. SOFO is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 nature organization chartered by the New York State Department of Education.

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The stunning event was attended by over 270 guests, who enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in the Hall of Biodiversity before sitting for dinner in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Once seated, friends and family of Andy took the stage to speak about the great work Andy has done throughout his lifetime. Greg Manocherian kicked off the night by presenting Andy with a $2 bill with his photo printed on it and unveiled a caricature of Andy, which guests signed throughout the evening.

Andy’s son, Shawn Sabin, had everyone in the audience laughing as he provided humorous anecdotes about his father throughout his life.  Susan Rockefeller offered up a heartwarming tribute noting that Andy recognizes that it is the tiniest steps that build a foundation.

The program continued with video tributes from Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Senator Rob Portman, before the emcee introduced the first musical act, American country music star, Janie Fricke. Dinner was then served, where guests enjoyed a delicious menu of Lemon Sole with Saffron Globe Artichoke, Crispy Herbs, Millet Pilaf, Green Grape Verjus; Tellicherry Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Hedgehog Mushroom, Garnet Yam Mash, Broccoli Leaves with Brandy Shallot Sauce; and Vegetarian lasagna “Bolognese” with eggplant, San Marzano Tomato, Garbanzo Ricotta.

Next to take the stage to honor Andy were Sam Sabin, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Ben Jacobson. Finally, Andy Sabin took the floor to thank all the guests for attending and celebrating his 75^th with him in style. The evening concluded with an exciting performance by American country music singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood before a gorgeous animal-themed cake was wheeled out and a surprise Happy Birthday song was led virtually by Folk Musician Livingston Taylor.

Andy pledged to match all the guests’ charitable donations to their favorite charities for up to $5,000.

VIPs in attendance included David and Susan Rockefeller, Kara Ross, Nobel Prize winner Jim Allison, Joseph Grogan, Jill Zarin, Carole Crist, Trammell Crow, Greg Manocherian and Congressman Virginia Foxx. Musical guests included Janie Fricke and Lee Greenwood.

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