Fabien Cousteau, Jean Shafiroff to Be Honored at SOFO’s 37th Annual Summer Gala in Bridgehampton

The South Fork Natural History Museum’s signature summer benefit will celebrate conservation, environmental education and philanthropy while honoring Fabien Cousteau, Jean Shafiroff, Bernadette Castro, and Louise and Stephen Pesce. Spark Hamptons Editor Angela LaGreca will serve as special guest auctioneer.

One of the Hamptons’ premier summer fundraising events returns on Saturday, July 11, as the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center (SOFO) hosts its 37th Annual Summer Gala at the museum in Bridgehampton.

This year’s celebration, themed “Celebrate the Power of Our Natural World: Protecting Our Planet’s Living Waters & Lands,” will bring together conservationists, philanthropists, business leaders and supporters from across the East End while raising critical funds for SOFO’s environmental education programs, conservation initiatives, museum exhibitions and community outreach.

The evening will honor renowned aquanaut, ocean conservationist and documentary filmmaker Fabien Cousteau; civic leader and environmental advocate Bernadette Castro; longtime conservation supporters Louise Pesce and Stephen Pesce, and noted philanthropist and humanitarian Jean Shafiroff.

Shafiroff has long been one of the Hamptons’ most visible philanthropic leaders, supporting dozens of charitable organizations throughout New York and the East End. Earlier this season, she hosted a gathering at her Park Avenue residence celebrating SOFO, where founder and board president Andy Sabin thanked her for her longstanding support of the museum and its conservation mission.

SOFO, Founded by Andy Sabin, is a Leading Natural History Museum

Founded by Sabin, SOFO has grown into the East End’s leading natural history museum, inspiring thousands of children and adults each year through hands-on environmental education, guided nature walks, educational programming, scientific research, wildlife conservation efforts and exhibitions that foster a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique ecosystems. Under Sabin’s leadership, the museum has become one of the Hamptons’ most important advocates for protecting local wildlife, wetlands and natural habitats.

Festivities begin with a VIP cocktail reception from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., featuring tastings from many of the Hamptons’ favorite restaurants, wineries and beverage partners, including 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 at 63 Main, Sen, Shellworks, Shippy’s, Springs Tavern & Grill, Talkhouse Encore, The Palm Restaurant and Wölffer Estate Vineyard.

The gala celebration begins at 7 p.m. and includes dinner, tributes to the honorees, a live auction and dancing. Spark Hamptons Editor Angela LaGreca will serve as special guest auctioneer.

The host committee includes 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.

Sponsors include the 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, with additional sponsors expected.

Tickets are available at $1,500 for general admission and $2,000 for VIP admission. VIP tables range from $7,500 to $50,000.

For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit sofo.org