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Kelly Bensimon Supports LGBTQIA+ Youth at the Hetrick-Martin Institute School’s Out Hamptons Gala
The supermodel, entrepreneur, real estate broker and reality TV star opens up about her new E! series, career, relationships and why she’s returning to support the annual summer gala.
Kelly Bensimon has always been more than a beautiful face. Modeling since the age of 15, her career path has taken many successful turns — from fashion, to reality television star, to high-end real estate broker in New York City, the Hamptons and Florida, to thriving entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Best known to fans as one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of New York City, Bensimon has reunited with former Bravo stars Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Dorinda Medley for the new E! series The Golden Life, set in Palm Beach and scheduled to premiere this fall.
Bensimon has been traveling between New York City, the Hamptons and Florida while filming and managing her businesses. The mother of two and avid equestrian also hosts the iHeartRadio podcast I Do, Part 2.
She’s also a passionate advocate for numerous charitable causes and spoke with SPARK Hamptons about her support of Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) — the nation’s oldest LGBTQIA+ youth services organization, providing vital services, safe spaces and programs that empower LGBTQIA+ youth to live healthy, authentic lives.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth
On July 25, Kelly Bensimon will attend HMI’s School’s Out Gala in the Hamptons for the third consecutive year, joining Candace Bushnell, Luann de Lesseps, Andy Cohen, Tamron Hall, Darren Star, and many others. The event features a cocktail reception at a private residence in Water Mill, followed by an intimate Best of the Hamptons VIP Dinner prepared by local chefs. HMI’s School’s Out Gala is one of the nonprofit’s signature fundraising events,
Bensimon spoke with SPARK Hamptons about Hetrick-Martin Institute, her businesses, philanthropy, new television projects and what continues to drive her successful trajectory.
SPARK Interview with Kelly Bensimon
So many good causes — why do you feel strongly about supporting Hetrick-Martin Institute?
Kelly Bensimon: I’ve had a lot of friends who, when they were younger, struggled in the process of figuring out how they wanted to live their lives. Since I’m 15, I’ve heard so many stories, awful stories, about men and women alike who are struggling, and with no support.
When I first heard about Hetrick-Martin and attended the event in the Hamptons, I thought, “Oh my God, this is what I love to do — to help keep children safe.”
The Importance of a Safe Space
It’s part of their mission. Every child deserves a safe and supportive environment so they can become the best person they can be.
I’ve always been a children’s advocate. I worked with Hale House for so many years, starting when I was 23. People who know me know that one of my biggest initiatives is being safe — hands down.
I’ve been working with children for the past 30 years, and it deeply resonates with me, especially coming from the fashion industry. I’ve seen so much pain and so many people who have been through so much to have the life they want. I’m just a mama bear.
— Kelly Bensimon
Sounds like you walk the talk. You show up.
KB: It’s funny. When I was a Housewife back in 2009, I got slammed for saying I didn’t want to go to an event just to “go.” I wanted to be an ally.
It’s nice to wear a pretty dress and attend a party, but I’m a real advocate for spreading the word, spreading the love and making sure the narrative is strong.
I’m from the Midwest — we keep it real.
It’s a pretty lively event …
The HMI event in the summer is so much fun. It’s definitely a who’s who. But it’s more than an event to post on Instagram. It’s about spreading the love.
This is my third year supporting HMI, and I’m proud to do it. I was at a recent HMI event and my friend (DJ) Lina Bradford was there. Anything associated with HMI and I’m there.
It’s a supportive environment that’s not only helping educate LGBTQIA+ youth on how to live healthy lives, but also empowering them to become the best version of themselves. They offer so many activities, and it’s a like-minded community where you’re not on an island. There is real support there.
On Reinvention and Success
How do you approach life and what you set out to accomplish?
KB: I think so many people are conditioned by tradition, and I’ve thrown all caution to the wind with the work I’ve done, whether in publishing or the fashion industry.
I learned from masters of the universe, people like Marc Jacobs, who said, “I find perfection in the imperfection.”
He also taught me, “You’re only as good as your last mistake.”
How you value yourself isn’t based on your last accomplishment but rather how you navigated it. He was very astute.
On Friendship, Reality TV and The Golden Life
How is The Golden Life different from The Real Housewives of New York City?
KB: The difference is The Real Housewives is a docu-soap, and The Golden Life isn’t.
This series is about women navigating their lives and their futures. There’s more at stake because of the friendships. We’ve known each other for so long. Ramona Singer and I have known each other for 15 years. It’s not like we just met on a set and said, “Hey, I like your outfit.”
The biggest differentiator is what’s at stake. It’s really crucial to realize the importance of friendship, to be mindful of how you nurture those friendships. You meet a lot of people in your life, and you start weeding out the people you can and can’t trust. Things start happening, children get older, partners get old, things happen to a husband. A lot of love can get lost. And through it, they are your friends.
So it’s a different dynamic – relationships are at stake. On Housewives there were no relationships like this – these are relationships that have been nurtured for 15 to 20 years. I was on Housewives in 2008 – it’s now 2026.
Building a Business
How is your real estate career going?
I’m a high-end real estate broker in New York, Florida and the Hamptons, and I have a big, very successful business.
I’m also an avid reader. I’ve written seven books and started two magazines.
Right now, I’m really focused on my brand partnerships and my new real estate show (The Chef and the Housewife, with Andrew Molen).
What Sparks Kelly Bensimon
What do you enjoy doing when you have some downtime? What sparks you?
When I have free time, I ride horses — that is, when I’m not chasing my kids. (laughs)
I ride in Bridgehampton. I’m learning to play polo.
I love the arts. I’m filming this new television series with the former Housewives.
I’m also working with eBay on an outerwear collection with Enville and Pologeorgis. I’m from the Midwest, so outerwear was the natural place to start. “Enville” means “in town.”
I’ve also collaborated with Quoddy on a collection of handmade moccasins. I always wore boat shoes growing up in the Midwest. I grew up sailing and always had a strong connection to the water, so creating a fall shoe collection felt very natural.
Career Success and What It Takes
What do you think has helped you become so successful throughout your career?
Follow-through. It’s one of the reasons I was successful as a model.
I’d write thank-you notes. I showed up on time.
I was prepared.
My nails were done. My hair was clean. I’d eaten.
I was completely ready to work.
Looking for a True Partner
You are pretty open on social media about relationships and wanting to find the right person. What qualities are you looking for in a man?
They all start off one way, and we never really know how they’re going to evolve.
I’m looking for follow-through, consistency — a true partner.
I’m in my building era. I’m building my real estate business. I’m not on the back nine. I’m looking for someone who still wants to build something meaningful and make things better.
Through my career and my businesses, I get to meet so many extraordinary people with incredible possibilities. I’m naturally curious, and I want to spend my life maximizing those possibilities.
I have a twin brother, so the way I communicate with men is probably very different from the way many women communicate with men.
I don’t flirt with men. I celebrate them. I encourage them.
I want them to feel like the best version of themselves, I want us to be a union. A lot of women don’t do that — it’s more “the unicorn and the peacock.”
I’ve always been comfortable working with men. I’m not against them. I have very strong friendships with men. I respect them.
Although it’s funny — men always seem to want to save me. They’re constantly saying, “I want to save you.” (laughs)
Maybe they just want to take care of you?
They do, I suppose.
But don’t you just want to live your life, have fun, and work?
The Real Deal
How do you want people to know you and remember you?
As a straight shooter.
I hope people think I’m trustworthy. I want people to trust me.
Maybe they’ll say, “She’s a great mom. She’s a great friend.”
I have some very close friends, and I know a lot of people. Some have really shown up for me in life and others — not so much. But sometimes people can’t.
There’s the right tool for the right job. Don’t try to use a screwdriver as a hammer. That’s what I tell my kids.
I want to do big things. I’m a big thinker.
I want to be a strong value-add to my community.
Which brings us back to showing up.
Showing up is part of being a value-add. And looking good. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for so long that I have my own uniform. I’ve been dressing this way my whole life. I get dressed up every single day.
You always look great, but you also seem to go much deeper than appearances.
You have to have an impetus — a reason to show up.
That’s what I tell my kids to ask themselves.
“What’s the reason?”
You and I met through Hetrick-Martin Institute. There was an impetus.
I always ask, “What’s the relay? What’s the connection?” Then I focus on that.
One reason I’ve been successful is that I don’t have a big ego. I’m excited to be a value-add. To move the needle, To help tell the story. To help bring interesting people together.
Empowering the Next Generation
You’re genuinely excited about Hetrick-Martin Institute. I can hear it in your voice.
I’m incredibly excited to be part of what Hetrick-Martin Institute is doing to support young people in this community.
It’s really spectacular. They’re actually doing the work.
My father was a lawyer, and he always said, “When you empower people, you’re giving them strength, confidence and a framework to succeed.”
That’s what I want to be part of.
Whatever community I’m working with, I want people to say, “Kelly is here. She believes in me, and I believe in myself.”
It only takes one person. One mentor. One teacher. One person who believes in you — that can become the memory you carry with you for the rest of your life.
It’s about empowering youth, creating safe spaces for them and giving them the opportunity to become the very best version of themselves — just as we do for our own children.
Every child deserves a safe space.
It’s not about being kind — please do not tell me that you’re “kind.”
It’s about acting with kindness.
If You Go
Hetrick-Martin Institute School’s Out Gala
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Cocktail Reception: 5 p.m.
Location: Private residence, Water Mill
The School’s Out Gala is one of Hetrick-Martin Institute’s signature fundraising events, bringing together supporters from across the Hamptons and beyond to benefit the nation’s oldest LGBTQIA+ youth services organization.
The evening features a cocktail reception, silent auction and an intimate Best of the Hamptons VIP Dinner prepared by top local chefs. The VIP dinner is currently at capacity, but a wait list is available.
Tickets and information:
hmi.org/get-involved/events/schools-out-2026/
Kelly Bensimon
Instagram: @kellybensimon
Editor’s Note: Bensimon & Andrew Molen in Car Crash
This interview with Kelly Bensimon took place on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Two days later, on July 13, Bensimon and celebrity chef Andrew Molen were involved in a head-on car crash in Sarasota, Florida.
Bensimon and Molen were riding in an Uber when another vehicle crossed into their lane and struck them, according to published reports. Page Six reported that Bensimon said, “I’m lucky to have walked away alive.”
The crash sent Bensimon, Molen and the other driver to the hospital, where Bensimon said she underwent X-rays on her arm and a CT scan.
The pair were in Florida filming an episode of The Chef and the Housewife, a digital lifestyle series showcasing luxury homes through food, entertaining and design.
Bensimon later described the crash as “intense” in an Instagram post, writing, “@andrewmolen so thankful for you and that we are safe and for all who helped us through this moment.”
As of publication, the crash investigation remains ongoing.
