Driving Change: The Retreat’s Annual Golf Outing Raises $100K At Noyac Golf Club

The fairways at Noyac Golf Club were buzzing on Sept. 22 as more than 85 golfers, donors and Hamptons local leaders gathered for The Retreat’s Annual Golf Outing, raising more than $100,000 for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

This year’s honoree, Ray Harden, co-owner of Ben Krupinski Builder, is a familiar figure in East End circles. Known as much for his civic generosity as for his meticulously crafted homes and restorations, Harden has carried on the legacy of the late Ben Krupinski, championing local nonprofits while serving as an active member and former chief of the East Hampton Fire Department—where he has been named firefighter of the year three times.

Harden’s longtime associate Stratton Schellinger and a roster of builders, philanthropists and friends gathered to celebrate Harden’s enduring impact on the community.

“Honoring Ray Harden was especially powerful because through BK Builder, Ray helped grow and build our shelter,” said Cate Carbonaro, Esq., executive director of The Retreat, a nearly 40-year-old nonprofit that provides a safe haven and vital resources for those affected by abuse. “To stand on that foundation and see the community rally together was a full-circle moment that reminds us we aren’t just raising funds—we are raising lives.”

The afternoon was equal parts competition and celebration. Veteran commentator and cutup Bill McCuddy led a spirited live auction, with guests vying for standout prizes including a private dinner for 10 with celebrity chef Michael Symon and coveted foursomes at some of the Hamptons’ most exclusive golf clubs.

On the course, the competitive spirit shone through: the John Hummel foursome claimed top honors; the Jeanne Kane Zaykowski foursome won Beat the Pro; Jeanne Kane Zaykowski and John Hummel took longest drive; and Kim Hovey and Hummel landed closest to the pin. Second place went to the Aran foursome with Joe Quinn.

Adding to the festive atmosphere was the presence of recording artist Lance Romance, while notable guests from Sag Harbor, East Hampton and Amagansett mingled over cocktails.

The event was made possible by a generous lineup of sponsors: Riverhead Building Supply, Ben Krupinski Builder, John Hummel and Associates, Michael Goldstein, Weber & Grahn, Chubb, Torre, Lentz, Gamell, Gary and Rittmaser LLP, Rocco Carriero Wealth Partners, Advantage Title, The Golden Pear, Hampton Coffee and Kate Storey.

The impact of the day on the links will be felt far beyond the green.

“Our golf outing showed what happens when generosity meets purpose, said Carbonaro. “Every swing, every auction bid, every act of support became more than a moment on the course—it became safety, shelter and hope for survivors across Long Island.”

Proceeds will fund The Retreat’s 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, legal services, counseling and prevention programs, reaching thousands of families across Long Island every year.

The Retreat’s 24 hour hotline is (631) 329-2200. For more information, visit: allagainstabuse.org