Fundraiser for a Cause Archives - Hamptons Mouthpiece

After a short hiatus, Apollo in the Hamptons returned this past weekend for the first time since 2019 and it wasn’t just another summer soirée. It was a celebration of culture, history, and community that reminded us all why preserving legacy matters.

For generations, there’s been a natural connection between Harlem and the Hamptons—especially through Sag Harbor’s historic Black beachfront community. This event Apollo in the Hamptons carried that thread beautifully, bringing Harlem’s heartbeat out East for one unforgettable night at EHP Resort & Marina (Si Si Restaurant) in East Hampton.

A Feast for the Senses

Gayle King, Nina Cooper, Photo credit: Danté Crichlow

From the moment cocktail hour began, the night set the tone: mini lobster rolls, crab cake sliders, Korean chicken lettuce wraps, carne asada skewers, and yakitori Japanese sweet potato. Dinner stations followed with Moroccan halibut, spicy rigatoni, lobster Cobb salad, and couscous with veggies.

But the highlight? The dessert station! Mini sweet potato pies, mini bread pudding, and mini banana pudding—all those Harlem-inspired flavors in bite-sized form—made it feel like home. It was a perfect fusion of East End elegance and Harlem soul. Honestly, it felt like the Hamptons and Harlem were in the same place.

Music That Moved the Room

Doug E. Fresh,Photo credit: Danté Crichlow

Apollo in the Hamptons performances lit up the night: Doug E. Fresh, Crystal Waters, Dres, Chubb Rock, and a high-energy DJ Cassidy set that had guests on their feet. Then came Wé Ani—an Amateur Night at the Apollo winner who went on to place Top 5 on American Idol 2023. Her voice soared through the Hamptons air. Personally, my favorite track of hers is Disgusted, though truthfully, her entire album is worth a listen.

Adding even more Harlem flavor, Café Wha? delivered a genre-spanning set that paid tribute to the Apollo’s iconic stage and the spirit of 125th Street.

Real Talk with Wé Ani 🎤

I had the chance to connect with Wé Ani after the event, and her reflections were as powerful as her performance.

Hamptons Mouthpiece: Performing at the Apollo Theater is legendary—how did that experience prepare you for your journey on American Idol?

Wé Ani “I always say this: the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life, hands down, was performing at the Apollo. Scarier even than singing for Tony Bennett at the Library of Congress in front of Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, and Josh Groban. Because at the Apollo, you know at any moment you could get booed off stage. And I thought to myself, if I can handle that—if I can survive the Apollo—I can handle anything, even Simon Cowell. That experience made me fearless.”

HM: Is there anything new on the horizon that your fans can look forward to—music, performances, or collaborations?

Wé Ani: “Absolutely. I’m in the middle of rebranding my artistry and working on a lot of new music. People can definitely expect new songs and collaborations that stretch my sound in different directions. I want to reach new audiences and step into spaces that challenge me as an artist. I’m very excited about what’s coming next.”

HM: Did you get a chance to explore Sag Harbor during Apollo in the Hamptons?

Wé Ani: “I would have loved to just stick around and see what that would have been about, because I don’t get to go to a lot of places whenever I travel. Nine times out of ten, it’s hotel to venue, then back to the hotel, back on a plane or in a car. So it really means a lot when people who are native to a place give me the full experience—because then I get to go and tell people about it, which is so important for me. I’ll definitely be back, and next time I’d love the full Sag Harbor tour.

Walter Oden, Ashley Oden, Racquel Oden, Photo credit: Danté Crichlow

A Night of Support & Star Power

The crowd reflected the Apollo’s reach and influence, with notable attendees including Michelle Ebanks (President & CEO, The Apollo), Kamilah Forbes (Executive Producer, The Apollo), Joy Profet (Chief Growth Officer, The Apollo), Star Jones, Gayle King, and actor/musician Leon.

The evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsors such as The Phillips, Gibson and Dunn/Orin Snyder, Nina & Frank Cooper/VISA, and Tameem Hourani, with additional support from Apollo’s dedicated Board of Directors. Their commitment reinforced the importance of cultural institutions like the Apollo in shaping society for the better.

The Real Star of the Night

While the celebrities and performances shined, the true star was The Apollo itself. The fundraiser raised critical funds for the theater’s first full-scale renovation and restoration. This isn’t just a facelift. It’s about preserving a cultural legacy that stretches from Ella Fitzgerald’s big break to James Brown’s electrifying performances to today’s rising stars.

Real Talk, Real People ✨

I wasn’t able to attend this year, but as someone who grew up in Harlem, the Apollo has always been more than a theater. It’s the soul of 125th Street—a place where culture, music, and history converge. Preserving it means ensuring the next generation can stand on that stage, feel that same electricity, and carry that legacy forward.

So yes, Apollo in the Hamptons was about great music, celebrity sightings, and a perfect summer night. But more than anything, it was about history—keeping it alive, honoring it, and making sure the story of Black excellence, creativity, and resilience is never forgotten.

To learn more or support the mission, visit apollotheater.org

Concert for a Cause: Music, Memories, and Second Chances, Real talk, Real People.

**Victoria Hilton,Melissa Gorga, Robin Thicke, guest**

Friday, August 8th, the beautiful estate of Maria and Kenneth Fishel in Bridgehampton became the backdrop for something far bigger than a summer party — it was an evening of music, love, and lifesaving compassion, Second Chance Rescue.

The event, Concert for a Cause, was held in loving memory of their daughter, Melissa Fishel, who adored cats and had a heart for all animals. Her spirit was woven into every detail — from the way guests were greeted, to the stories shared, to the mission at the heart of the night: supporting NYC Second Chance Rescue.

If you don’t know their work, Second Chance Rescue is a nonprofit that pulls animals — often the most abused, neglected, and overlooked — from death’s door. These are dogs and cats who have endured unthinkable cruelty, left with injuries, illness, and deep emotional scars. This group steps in when others won’t, providing urgent medical care, rehabilitation, and ultimately, a home filled with love.

Midway through the evening, the crowd was asked to pause the mingling and turn toward the screen. A short film from Second Chance Rescue began to roll. Within minutes, you could feel the air change. The room grew quiet, eyes filled, and a few sniffles echoed in the background. We saw the “before” — the heartbreaking images of animals abandoned, broken, and barely surviving. And then, the “after” — tails wagging, eyes bright, safe in the arms of new families. It was a reminder of why nights like this matter so much.

Actress and Designer Christine Evangelista was honored for her unwavering support of the rescue. She spoke with passion and gratitude, her words echoing the same truth: every life saved is worth the fight.

**Lisa Blanco,Christine Evangelista, Kate McEntee, Jennifer Brooks, Lisa Rose**

The evening drew an impressive guest list, including philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, bestselling author Candice Bushnell, and television personality Melissa Gorga, each lending their star power and support to the cause. Their presence added to the energy and generosity that flowed throughout the night.

***Jean Shafiroff*, *Candice Bushnell***

Maria and Kenneth Fishel then took the stage to share beautiful memories of Melissa — a young woman who loved fiercely and never turned away from a creature in need. Her legacy was palpable, and her love for animals made the night’s mission feel deeply personal.

After their heartfelt remarks, the live auction kicked off — a spirited and generous display of giving that generated significant funds for NYC Second Chance Rescue. Every paddle raised meant another chance for an animal to heal and find a forever home.

Then came the music. Robin Thicke lit up the stage with his signature charm, delivering an energized performance that had the crowd swaying, singing, and smiling. He sang 3–4 songs, including my personal favorite, Lost Without You, and the audience was right there with him.

As the stars sparkled over the Hamptons sky, guests continued to dance the night away, signature cocktails with Biatch Tequila in hand, the energy as warm and joyful as the cause itself.

The moments, big and small, were captured beautifully by Photography by Kurt, ensuring the emotion and energy of the night will live on long after the last note faded.

But what stood out most wasn’t the music, or the celebrities, or even the gorgeous setting. It was the stories — both spoken and unspoken — of animals who were given a second chance because people cared enough to make it happen.

This wasn’t just a concert. It was a movement — a reminder that our compassion has the power to change the world, one paw at a time.

Want to help? Visit NYC Second Chance Rescue to learn how you can adopt, foster, or donate. Because sometimes, all it takes is one act of kindness to turn a story from heartbreak to hope.

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Fundraiser for a Cause

Apollo in the Hamptons is Back!

Concert for a Cause: Robin Thicke, Memories, and Second Chances