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Hamptons Happenings

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Hamptons Happenings, On Our Toes 10th Annual Hamptons Event 2013

Evidence, A Dance Company to Host its 10th Annual “On Our Toes”… In The Hamptons Summer Benefit

                        Sag Harbor’s Susan L. Taylor and Khephra Burns to serve as Honorary Chairs

 Evidence, A Dance Company will host its 10th Annual “On Our Toes…  In The Hamptons” Summer Benefit on August 17, 2013 from 4:00-8:00pm at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton. The “On Our Toes…” benefit has become one of the premier cultural events of the Hamptons social season.

Guests from the arts and entertainment industry and the business community will gather on the sprawling grounds of the Hayground School to attend the annual event. The festive summer affair will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a light dinner and dessert, auction, a spectacular performance by Evidence, and their signature “Dancing with the Dancers”.

The summer benefit will present a special performance of HIGH LIFE, by the internationally acclaimed-Evidence, A Dance Company. Choreographed by Founder and Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown, HIGH LIFE draws striking parallels of the Great Migration in the U.S. by depicting the journeys from the South to the North and from West African villages to the city. Evidence, A Dance Company focuses on the seamless fusion of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word.part8-1.05090609.07050207@sbgcommunications.com

“Evidence, A Dance Company is privileged to return for our tenth year to the Hamptons for our annual benefit,” said Evidence’s Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown. “We’re grateful for the tremendous support that we’ve received each year benefitting the dance company and our innovative community outreach programs.” Brown is the world-renowned choreographer of Tony Award-winning THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS. He recently choreographed a powerful new dance work, “Four Corners”, for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Susan L. Taylor, a Sag Harbor resident and Editor Emerita of Essence Magazine, and her husband Khephra Burns, author, playwright and producer, will serve as the benefit’s Honorary Chairs. The power couple hosted the first benefit to showcase African-American culture in the Hamptons.

The Benefit Committee includes: Larry Satterfield, Board Chair; Gail Monroe-Perry, Secretary; Reginald Van Lee, Chairman Emeritus; Zaid Abdul-Aleem; Alvin Adell; Dwayne Ashley;  Monica F. Azare; Reginald Canal; Spike Lee; Leslie Mays; James Sullivan; Jocelyn Taylor;  and Dr. Ancy Verdier. The Young Patrons committee includes James Nixon and Curtis D. Young

Proceeds from the Hamptons Summer Benefit will support the dance company’s general operations and community outreach programs.  Sponsor packages are $25,000, $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500. Tickets are $350 and $500. For tickets and more information, please visit www.evidencedance.com or call Jacqueline McAllister at 718-230-4633; email, [email protected].

ABOUT EVIDENCE, A DANCE COMPANY: Founded in 1985 by internationally-acclaimed choreographer Ronald K. Brown, Evidence, A Dance Company’s mission is to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement and spoken word leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation. For more information, please visit www.evidencedance.com.

Sag Harbor, NY: Hamptons Happenings: I had the pleasure to attend the 4th annual Diversity Affluence Brunch & Awards on Sunday, July 28th, 2013 to a packed room at B. Smith’s Restaurant in Sag Harbor, NY. The by invitation only Brunch & Awards recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of people from diverse backgrounds who have achieved success within their respective industries and yet take their success to the next level by progressing and influencing diversity and multicultural business agendas and positive social impact in the world.DSC_1634

The Hamptons event was a hit as Marriott International, Barclays, Baume & Mercier and Estée Lauder celebrated the 4th annual Diversity Affluence Brunch & awards honoring supermodel Alek Wek and other leaders, achievers and pioneers for their social impact work.

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Rudy Chavez & Alek Wek

Over 125 hand selected affluent African American guests including Valentino Carlotti, John Utendahl, Anthony Spikes, Erana Stennett, actress Tichina Arnold, Booz Allen VP Reginald Van Lee, Jocelyn Allen, Michael Robinson, Susan Akkad, Emil Wilbekin, Earl Graves and other venture capitalists, investment bankers, entertainment, media and tech industry executives attended the brunch to honor four prominent leaders, achievers and pioneers of diversity including Robert F. Smith, Chairman & CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Alek Wek, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Author & Supermodel, and Aaron P. Dworkin, Founder & President of the Sphinx Organization.

This year a corporate honoree, M• A• C Cosmetics was added. “M•A•C Cosmetics is richly deserving of this award for their unwavering commitment in celebrating “the beauty of everyone.” Their philanthropic & social impact passions influence positive change & positive outcomes. They make the world take notice”, says Andrea Hoffman, Founder and CEO of Diversity Affluence. John Demsey, Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc attended on behalf of M•A•C Cosmetics, “diversity is very important to MAC and our motto is all  ages, all races all sexes“…

Leon Goodman & Norina Geter-Goodman

This year’s event began with an intimate Moet & Chandon Champagne toast given by Andrea Hoffman aboard the 42 ft Wider Yacht moored alongside B. Smith’s for the honorees and sponsors Marriott International, Barclays, The Estée Lauder Companies, Baume & Mercier, Belvedere Vodka, Black Gives Back and Collective.

Reggie Van Lee
Reggie Van Lee

The cocktail hour featured passed assorted hors d’oeurve and specialty libations by Belvedere Vodka. Each guest was gifted with a stunning signature black M•A•C Cosmetics box filled with goodies. After the opening welcome by Diversity Affluence partner Noel Hankin, award- winning actor Malik Yoba hosted the afternoon with both humor & serious introductions of the sponsors & honorees. Tom Lee, Head of Global Banking for Barclays spoke to the Barclays commitment in support of Diversity Affluence & delight in celebrating the honorees. Kristine Friend, Senior Director, Segment Marketing for Marriott International spoke of their pride of partnership with Diversity Affluence & presented each guest with a gift of Platinum Elite Status in their award winning Marriott Rewards program, for one year.

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Rudy Chavez & Robert F. Smith

As the honorees were introduced by the Host of the afternoon actor Malik Yoba, they were given a special Baume & Mercier watch presented by Rudy Chavez, North American President of the luxury watch brandDSC_1680

Each honoree addressed the crowd giving thanks in their own voices to Andrea Hoffman & Diversity Affluence for the recognition and honors and speaking of their true & personal commitments to diversity & social impact. Two incredible surprise highlights of the Brunch were personal & warm notes sent by Mrs. Ethel Kennedy on behalf of the Robert F Kennedy Center to Robert F. Smith and by iconic fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg to Alek Wek.DSC_1645

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Mitchell Proux, Andrea Hoffman & Dr. Ancy Verdier

Diversity Affluence Founder & CEO Andrea Hoffman thanked the honorees, sponsors & guests with heartfelt words, which included “Affluence provides the means for influence and influence provides the means for impact. She continued that “Progress in multicultural initiatives and social impact” is everyone’s business.” She then closed the afternoon by wowing the crowd with a video from President William J. Clinton who acknowledged the honorees for their philanthropic endeavors & non wavering commitment to social change, culminating in thunderous applause from the crowd.

 Andrea Hoffman founded Diversity Affluence in 2006. It is a boutique marketing and management consultancy specializing in connecting brands and businesses to affluent, aspirational and influential ethnic consumers a group that they have coined as RoyaltonsTM. Andrea says “Diversity Affluence is committed to raising awareness of affluent and influential ethnic consumers and related executives and brands that acknowledge them”. Andrea says the brunch celebrates the far-reaching contributions of the incredible honorees and gives guests the opportunity to engage with affluent ethnic influencers, business and community leaders, upscale sponsors and multicultural taste makers.”4th Annual Diversity Affluence Brunch and Awards in Sag Harbor  ended with Tichina Arnold’s  beautiful rendition of “The Impossible Dream” .……her message to young people is: In Life we have obstacles, we have hurdles, you need to get over them, go around them, knock them down…Life is simple, we make it more complicated…. How true these words are…

“Sag Harbor, NY, Hamptons Happenings”… After a long day of hosting a yard sale, and driving to the Hamptons from Hauppauge, New York, I was ready to ‘ROCK THE DOCK’ with the Bay Street Theatre. Driving in, my sight was set on the large white tent along the Long Wharf surrounded by guests and spectators even in the sweltering heat. Inside, the watermelon cocktails, and vibrant decor kept the party going. The silent auction included raffles for The Ritz Carlton Orlando Golf Challenge, where guests were told to “putt” their money where their mouth is, and the ‘Wine Extravaganza’, in which EVERYONE walked away with a bottle. Who wouldn’t want to sign up?
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As the night went on, host Susan Lucci approached the tent looking elegant and beautiful, she remains the most famous face in daytime television history. The evening filled with Hampton’s summer fashion, fun, and fabulous people. The annual gala is the fundraiser in support of Bay Street’s yearlong programming, bringing amazing performances to Sag Harbor. I enjoyed the evening, and most of all the fabulous company. Bay Street Theatre Rocked The Dock!

The Rock the Dock Summer Benefit Bash supports Literature Live, kids’ camps, college internships, and other educational programs that keep Bay Street Theatre a cultural gem and a de facto cultural community-center within Sag Harbor. Special guests of the evening included Karen Ziemba, Nelson DeMille, Tina Louise, Aida Turturro, Prudence and Alexandra Fairweather, Robert Zimmerman and many other familiar faces of the Hamptons community.IMG_1129

Susan Lucci entertained guests with stories of her career and performed a song written by the late Marvin Hamlisch which he wrote as a dedication to her. Susan sang before an audience of over 400 guests with pianist Shawn Geough, followed by three-time Tony Award winner and Broadway singer Karen Ziemba as she stunned the audience with her amazing voice.

Peter Scolari, Conrad John Schuck, Tom Deckman and Laurent Giroux, the cast of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which will open August 6th as part of Bay Street Theatre’s 2013 Mainstage season, performed “I’m Calm” and “Everybody ought to have a Maid” from the final 2013 summer production accompanied by musical director Ethyl Will as pianist.IMG_1130

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit regional theater presenting new, classic and contemporary works, with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to innovative educational programs that highlight the power of live theater.  It is our mission to be an artistic haven for an extended family of artists and audience, while continuing to provide a gathering place to share in the unique collective theatrical experience.

“Montauk, NY, Hamptons Happening”…Shark’s Eye, Montauk’s Revolutionary fishing Tournament. Montauk is known for its surfing, fishing and fishing tournaments. People from all over the world vacation in Montauk just to fishing. On Saturday July 27th and Sunday, July 28th some of the foremost research scientists in the country will come to Montauk for “The Shark’s Eye, Montauk’s first Satellite tag and all-release fishing tournament hosted by Montauk Marine Basin”, this will be a two-day festival for sport, science, conservation and education. All sharks caught in this tournament will be released – circle hooks only. If you have always wanted to experience shark fishing in a different location but you are unable to attend this tournament to do so, then why not have a look at these FKF Charters, located in Key West for further information about the charters that they have on offer. From shark fishing to tarpon fishing, there is something for everyone, so don’t hesitate in checking it out if you’re in the area. This amazing event is being led by “Montauk Marine Basin owner, Carl Darenberg.

A REVOLUTIONARY CHARITY FISHING TOURNAMENT TO SAVE SHARKS

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This painting by renound artist April Gornic goes to the tournament winner.
July 26th-28th Friday 3pm-6pm, Saturday 6am-5pm, Sunday 6am-5pm
Montauk Marine Basin
426 West Lake, Montauk, NY
631-668-5900
[button color=”yellow” link=”http://www.sharkseyetournament.com” target=”_blank” font=”tahoma” align=”left”]click here for more information.[/button]

This event will be joined by country music sensation Colton James, and folk music star Caroline Doctorow & MariGrace Dineen. They will be performing at the outdoor stage at Gosman’s famous seafood dock on Saturday night, July 27, from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor concert is free. On both days, Brooks and Sean Paxton, A.K.A. “the Shark Brothers,” will provide exciting informational and educational forums under the tent at Montauk Marine Basin. Brooks and Sean directed the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge in Florida, another shark conservation fishing tournament. [button color=”blue” link=”http://www.marinebasin.com/?id=sharkseye1&doc=web_pages.html” size=”medium” target=”_blank” font=”tahoma” align=”center”]Click here for Film &Music Festival tent activities[/button]

The public will hear a plea for shark preservation from Scott Curatolo Wagemann, a Cornell Cooperative Extension scientist and shark attack survivor! Booths under the tent will host the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, OCEARCH, and the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. It’s all for the public to better understand the vital work that these organizations are doing to bring back the large sharks and other species that once flourished in our waters. Four sharks will receive satellite-tracking tags during the two-day all release tournament. Three anglers will name three sharks. The 6th Grade class at the Montauk school will name a fourth. The public will then be able to follow these fish online via OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker, the most-followed shark tracking site and app in the world — provided free of charge! Dave Bofill Marine and White Water Marine will provide chase boats with the scientists to tag the sharks. And Mustad — the best-selling hook on the planet — will provide circle hooks. The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is providing $10,000 in cash prizes and renowned artist April Gornik has donated an original work of art for the winner. In addition to the boat team competition, the public can be in the action as an official Tournament Observer.

Shark’s Eye Background

Today the great apex predators of the ocean face extinction, and so do the charter boat captains who catch them.That’s why Carl Darenberg, owner of Montauk Marine Basin, artist April Gornik, and the Concerned Citizens of Montauk, working with the Montauk Boatmen, Inc., the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, OCEARCH, the Shark Brothers, and Mote Marine Laboratory are proud to present Shark’s Eye.All sharks caught in this tournament are released and only circle hooks are used. Eligible mako, thresher and blue sharks are fitted with satellite tracking tags, which monitor their movements after release. The anglers who catch them get to name three tagged sharks, and a fourth is named by Montauk school children. The public is able to follow these fish online via the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker.

In 1951 a young Frank Mundus settled in Montauk and got the idea to offer charter fishing for sharks. Nobody paid much attention to him. But by the time Mundus and team harpooned a 4500 pound great white, in 1964, anglers were paying serious attention, as well as a writer named Peter Benchley. The movie “Jaws” was released in 1975 and everybody wanted to come to Montauk to go Monster Fishing for sharks. Big money tournaments started to take hold.

Cut to the late 1990’s, when disturbing videos started to appear. Sharks were shown being finned alive by foreign commercial fishermen. They were being killed not by the thousands, but by the millions, to provide fins for shark fin soup for the growing Asian market. Shark populations started to decline, and by the mid 2000s were no longer sustainable.

To ensure a highly competitive, exciting and informative event for both anglers and the general public, in addition to satellite tagging of certain fish, a system of best practices and modern catch and release protocols have been engineered into this tournament format to maximize the post-release welfare and survivability of all sharks caught during this competition. These methods include the mandatory use of inline circle hooks to help prevent internal hooking, heavy tackle and line strengths to reduce a shark’s time on the line, and other specific handling procedures designed to ensure angler safety and healthy shark releases. Anglers and Observers will receive personal training on these methods, prior to competition.

All profits from the two-day event will go to the Montauk Boatmen (MBI), the Montauk school, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce and the Concerned Citizens of Montauk (CCOM).

“Hamptons,NY”  Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and The Rush Philanthropic Foundation is back for their 14th season in the Hamptons with their annual 14th ART FOR LIFE Hamptons Benefit. This year’s theme I am told is “Field of Dreams” and the Attire is dreamy hues of Peacock Green, Aquamarine& Amethyst. This will be the first year that the annual event will not be hosted at Russell Simmons estate in East Hampton. I am sure the event will be just as elegant as always. I am excited for this years entertainment Maxwell ,Estelle & Rapper Rick Rossflyer_1851_org

Celebrating the creative energy of our New York City Youth!

I look forward to attending this program every year not just because of the star power that attends but _dsc7349because they are doing some pretty fantastic work in the inner-city communities with art and music for students whose schools have eliminated these programs due to budget cutbacks. Russell & Danny continue their vital support to arts programs dedicated to serving urban children and emerging artist.

Saturday, July 27, 2013
Fairview Farms, Bridgehampton, NY
REGISTRATION: Tue, Jun 25, 2013 to Sat, Jul 27, 2013
CONTACT: Inez Weinstein Special Events
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 212 254-6677
URL: http://www.rushphilanthropic.org
Individual Tickets $1,500 Tables from $15,000
*Featuring a silent auction of unique luxury items & experiences Cocktails at 6pm
 Dinner and Program at 7:30pm
 
HONORING

Sam Englebardt & William D. Johnson, Founders, Demarest Films
Anne Pasternak, President & Artistic Director, Creative Time

Anne Pasternak
Anne Pasternak
Tyler Perry, Filmmaker & Philanthropist


Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry
Additional Honorees To Be Announced later…..

FEATURED ARTIST

Rashid Johnson

HOSTED BY

Soledad O’Brien

russell and soledad
Soledad O’Brien and Russell Simmons AFL 2012

HONORARY CHAIR

Star Jones Michael Strahan

EVENT CHAIRS

Kimberly Hatchett Crystal McCrary Camilla Olsson Richard & Lisa Plepler

ART AUCTION CHAIR

Lucille Blair Alberto Mugrabi

LUXURY AUCTION CHAIR

Shamin Abas, Shamin Abas Public Relations Angella Forbes, Forbes Public Relations

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY

TBA

MUSIC BY

DJ M.O.S

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Ronnie Davis, Ronnie Davis Productions

ART FOR LIFE HAMPTONS (Hamptons,NY)

In 2013, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation will celebrate the 143h Annual ART FOR LIFE Hampton Benefit Event– our primary fundraising initiative for our friends and supporters. The evening, held in celebration of the creative energy of our New York City youth, honores exemplary individuals for success in their respective fields and good works to better the community.

The Board Members are Officers:
Russell Simmons, Chairman and Co-founder | Danny Simmons, Vice Chairman and Co-founder | Javier Evans, President | Monica Petraglia McCabe, Secretary | Richard Slomovitz, Treasurer |
Tangie Murray, Executive Director

Directors
Shamin Abas | Lucille Blair | Allison Weiss Brady | Derek Jenkins | Dr. Yasin N. Khan | Stan Lathan | Marc J. Leder | Victor Matthews | Brenda D. Neal| John B. Rhea | David Rosenberg | Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons

For additional information or to purchase tickets or tables, please contact Tracey Doolin at Inez Weinstein Special Events at: (212) 254-6677 or (212) 614-0400, Fax: (212) 477-4501, via email [email protected].

For Press Inquiries please contact: K&Co at [email protected] or 212.510.8593

“Hamptons, NY ” photos in this article courtesy of Photography by Kurt & rushphilanthropic.org

I can’t wait to see Maxwell perform, I am a huge fan. It would be really nice to see Maxwell, Estelle & Rick Ross do something together. As Always Hamptons Mouthpiece keeping you in the know with Hamptons Happenings in Hamptons,NY