The 15th Annual Hamptons Happening, one of the Hamptons much-anticipated summer social events, honored luminaries in the world of cuisine, business and fashion who are supporting the groundbreaking research of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF). Guests rubbed elbows with celebrity chef honoree, Lidia Bastianich and generations of the Bastianich family; restaurateur honoree, Ian Duke, legendary owner of three restaurants in the South Fork; business honoree, Antonella Bertello, real estate entrepreneur and owner of the historic and luxurious The Baker House 1650 bed and breakfast in East Hampton; and iconic womenswear designer Nicole Miller as fashion honoree.
“The Bastianich family is honored to lend our support to the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation who, for more than 40 years, has made a difference in the lives of countless people living with cancer,” said Lidia Bastianich. “We applaud the foundation’s cutting-edge work with the science community to shut down the DNA of cancer. I ask you to support this event and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, so they may do even more to eradicate cancer.”
This year, the Hamptons Happening was been reinvented to bring guests the flavors of the world to Bridgehampton for one night. More than 350 guests skipped a trip to the airport and instead, booked “first-class” tickets to the 15th Annual Hamptons Happening “Tour de Cuisine” on July 13 to enjoy food, wine and spirit tastings representing some of the favorite culinary destinations around the world.
“I am thrilled to be honored by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation,” said fashion designer Nicole Miller who heads her global womenswear brand Nicole Miller. “The organization’s funding for innovation research is leading the cancer treatment revolution and has helped countless people living with cancer. I urge everyone to support this event and the Samuel Waxmen Cancer Research Foundation so they can continue to change the lives of people living with cancer.”
Miller is known for her philanthropic support of health-related causes and previously collaborated with the SWCRF to support cancer research. In 2014, Miller joined forces with the SWCRF to launch the inaugural Collaborating for a Cure Ladies Luncheon fashion show event that each year since has featured a distinguished fashion designer and has raised more than $600,000 for cancer research. The Ladies Luncheon event is now in its seventh year.
“I’m very grateful to have been named as an honoree this year by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation; it is beyond flattering,” said restaurateur Ian Duke, owner of Southampton Social Club, Union Burger Bar and Union Cantina. “I must say though that I think we have this all backward. It should be all of those working tirelessly for the foundation that should be honored, not me, because of the lives that have been extended, improved and saved from their research. None of it happens without the work of such an amazing collaboration. We are all forever in their debt as I’m sure that every single one of us has a loved one who has been directly impacted by the research and work done by the foundation.”
In its 15th year, The Hamptons Happening has become one of the Hamptons area’s premier charity events of the summer. This year, the SWCRF featured a “Tour de Cuisine” theme that offered gourmet food, wine and spirit tastings from some of the world’s favorite culinary destinations provided by some of the top chefs and restaurants in New York City and the Hamptons.
“When I was asked to get involved with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, I was truly honored and thrilled to be able to contribute to such an amazing cause and their sensational, collaborative research,” said Antonella Bertello, owner of The Baker House 1650.
I lost my father (who I adored) to cancer (lung, lymph and bone) when he was only 46 years old as well as many close relatives and friends. I know we have all been deeply affected by this disease and I could not be more pleased, and happy to put my grain of sand to help advance their innovative research.”
In its 15th year, the Hamptons Happening was one of the first charity events for cancer research to offer tastings from South Fork’s and New York City’s most celebrated chefs. While the Hamptons summer calendar has become filled with an assortment of food- and wine-related events, only the Hamptons Happening supports research that is uncovering the genetic and non-genetic changes that lead to cancer in the brain, breast, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, and other organs as well as blood-borne cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
“The proceeds generated by the Hamptons Happening help support more than 30 scientists who are some of the world’s brightest minds working diligently to develop a cure for cancer. The SWCRF seeks to award $1,600,000 in new grants this year and community support is critically important in this effort,” said Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and CEO of the SWCRF. “We are always grateful and moved by the generosity of our honorees, sponsors, guests, and the more than 30 participating chefs, restaurants, wine and spirit makers and food purveyors who make this fun summer event possible.”
Pat Farrell and the Cold Spring Harbor Band (The Billy Joel Tribute Show) and DJ Jarrell Entertainment will have guests dancing under the tent all night. Rising pop star Caly Bevier who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent after an ovarian cancer diagnosis at age 15, will delight fans with a special performance.
