So many events. So little time! Everyone has really been making the most of the post-heatwave late summer season with tons of fabulous events from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Hetrick-Martin Institute’s annual Hamptons benefit, School’s Out, raised more than $1 million in support of the organization’s services for LGBTQIA+ youth. The total represents the first seven-figure result in the event’s 26-year history and marks the fifth consecutive year that School’s Out has broken its fundraising record.
The milestone continues a period of extraordinary growth for the annual benefit, with proceeds rising more than 60 percent, from $620,000 in 2023 to more than $1 million this year. The growth reflects the commitment of HMI’s community of donors, sponsors and partners to ensuring that queer and trans young people have access to safe, affirming spaces and essential services.
“Reaching the $1 million mark reflects years of sustained commitment from people who believe in HMI and its young people,” said Ben Dixon , who has co-chaired School’s Out for ten years and currently co-chairs HMI’s Board of Directors. “This event has grown because so many people have opened their own networks to HMI, bringing new donors to the table who go on to become some of our most committed supporters. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped us reach this ambitious goal.”
Held on Saturday, July 25, at the Water Mill home of Marcus Brown and his family, the event welcomed more than 600 guests. The Brown family previously hosted School’s Out in 2024 and once again opened their home for the benefit, providing a spectacular setting for one of the Hamptons’ most anticipated summer events.
School’s Out co-chairs Ben Dixon, Bryan Ludwig, Tonia Steck, and Crystal Watersworked alongside the Brown family, HMI CEO Amy Harclerode, Ira Rogers, who recently concluded his tenure as HMI’s Senior Director of Development after 10 years with the organization, HMI’s Board of Directors, Associate Board, staff, sponsors, and volunteers to lead the evening’s fundraising efforts through sponsorships, donations, a live auction, and a special paddle raise.
Notable attendees included Tamron Hall, a 2025 School’s Out honoree and 2025 HMI Emery Award recipient; chef and cookbook author Lish Steiling; founder of the South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals, Lee Brian Schrager; television and radio personality Rolonda Watts; fashion designer Frederick Anderson; and interior designer Jamie Drake. Host Committee members in attendance included Dorinda Medley, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Frank DiLella, Thom Filicia, and Brynn Whitfield.
Entertainment throughout the evening included performances by Lion Babe and Jamie Hannah; a poolside routine by male synchronized swimming troupe the Aquawillies; and illuminated winged dancers from WMC Creative, whose shimmering costumes lit up the estate after dark. Renowned DJ Lina Bradford provided music throughout the evening. The evening culminated in a performance by Billboard-charting singer-songwriter Crystal Waters, whose dance hits “Gypsy Woman” and “100% Pure Love” brought guests to their feet and onto the stage.
Drawing inspiration from the lush, resort-like world of HBO’s The White Lotus , HMI collaborated with Anthony Taccetta Event Design to evoke the series’ tropical elegance through select spaces and visual elements across the ev…