SOFO gala honors conservation leaders in Bridgehampton

The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center marked its 37th Annual Summer Gala Benefit in Bridgehampton with honors for Fabien Cousteau, Bernadette Castro, Louise and Stephen Pesce, and Jean Shafiroff. The event raised support for environmental education, conservation initiatives and community outreach at one of the East End’s marquee summer benefits.

Why it matters: - SOFO’s gala is a fundraising engine for environmental education, museum programming, conservation work and community outreach on the East End. - The event also spotlighted conservation, civic leadership and philanthropy in a region where summer benefits draw influential supporters.

What happened: - The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center held its 37th Annual Summer Gala Benefit at the museum in Bridgehampton. - The 2026 theme was “Celebrate the Power of Our Natural World: Protecting Our Planet’s Living Waters & Lands.” - SOFO honored Fabien Cousteau, Bernadette Castro, Louise and Stephen Pesce, and Jean Shafiroff. - The gala brought together conservation leaders, philanthropists, civic supporters and Hamptons guests. - The evening included a VIP cocktail reception, dinner, honoree presentations, a live auction led by Angela LaGreca and dancing.

The details: - Fabien Cousteau was recognized as an aquanaut, ocean conservationist and documentary filmmaker. - Bernadette Castro was honored as a civic leader and environmental advocate. - Louise and Stephen Pesce were cited for support of conservation and community initiatives. - Jean Shafiroff was honored as an advocate, philanthropist and humanitarian. - The VIP reception featured a tasting menu from chefs, restaurants and beverage sponsors. - Attendees included Andy Sabin, Diane Aceti, Jill Zarin, Bradford Rand, John Catsimatidis, Susan Rockefeller, Tommy John Schiavoni, Carl Safina, Barbara and Stan Arkin, and others. - The host committee included 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. - Participating names included 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. - Gala sponsors included 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 included Dan’s Papers, Hamptons Magazine, The Express News Group and James Lane Post. - SOFO describes itself as a family-friendly natural history museum in Bridgehampton focused on exploration, discovery, environmental education and conservation. - SOFO says its work includes museum exhibits, programs, field walks, marine education, citizen science and community initiatives. - SOFO says those efforts help children, families and adults better understand and protect the natural world of the East End and beyond. - More information is available at the museum's website.

Between the lines: - The guest list and sponsor roster show the gala’s role as both a charity event and a social gathering for Hamptons civic and cultural networks. - The mix of ocean, wildlife and environmental names around the event reinforced the conservation theme beyond the honorees themselves.

What's next: - SOFO will continue using gala support to fund education, programming, conservation initiatives and community outreach. - The museum will likely keep positioning the annual summer benefit as a centerpiece of its fundraising calendar.