Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) has announced that for the third consecutive year, their annual Hamptons benefit, School’s Out, broke a record by raising $760,000! This is over $100,000 more than the total raised last year. Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ youth organization’s 45-year legacy this year, this momentous fundraising milestone marks the highest grossing amount in the summer event’s 24-year history. KDHamptons has all of the event details below…

The event was held at the home of hosts, Marcus Brown, Executive Vice President, Entergy Corporation and his family Nannette, Rachel and Christopher, on Saturday, July 20 in Water Mill,  New York. It drew notable figures including Tamron Hall, Darren Star, Candace Bushnell, Fern Mallis, Tho Filicia and Kelly Kilore. School’s Out co-chairs Ben Dixon, Tonia Steck, and Laurence Milstein, along with the Brown  family and HMI’s Board of Directors, worked with the HMI team to produce another record breaking event, generating substantial funds through major sponsorships, donations and publicity.

The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring two-time Emmy award-winning TV host,  journalist, and author Tamron Hall, who served as the special guest host. The specialty cocktail of  the night, “Beach Vibes,” from Hall’s upcoming cookbook “A Confident Cook,” was highlighted to  help celebrate HMI’s 45-year anniversary. 

Hall said, “I was so thrilled to join HMI for School’s Out. When I hosted HMI’s Emery Awards, I was  inspired by everyone in that room. I am glad I could support HMI again in celebrating 45 years of  community and care for LGBTQIA+ youth.” 

The event featured a captivating performance by synchronized swimmers presented by WMC Creative and sponsored by Coatue. Highlights included stationed lifeguards interacting with the crowd, a live and silent auction, a caviar station presented by Pearl Street Caviar, passed hors d’oeuvres and  wine by Dry Wine Farms, a non-alcoholic beverage station presented by Sober in Central Park, and flowing cocktails generously provided by Diageo. 

The “Best of the Hamptons” dinner followed in a tented area beautifully designed by Anthony Taccetta Event Design, featuring stunning florals and a breathtaking tablescape with exquisite  silver candlesticks, vases, candelabras and trays generously provided by Christofle for the second  year in a row. Guests enjoyed a full-course culinary experience with dishes from Duryea’s, Carissa’s  Bakery, STK Steakhouse, Almond Restaurant, and Chloe’s. Inspiring speeches by Tamron Hall,  Ben Dixon, and Amy Harclerode motivated attendees to participate in a special paddle raise,  ultimately helping HMI surpass their fundraising goal. 

HMI CEO Amy Harclerode said, “We are deeply grateful to the Brown family along with our  sponsors, partners, donors, and everyone who contributed to helping us achieve another record breaking year—raising over three-quarters of a million dollars—a significant milestone as HMI  celebrates its 45-year legacy. In a climate of uncertainty about the future rights and freedoms of  LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly youth of color, it is reassuring to know that there are many  people who support our community and HMI’s mission. The funds raised will enable us to meet the  growing demand from queer and trans youth for resources and services. They will also allow us to  focus on our vision of redefining the mental health services landscape for young people by making  our free services more widely accessible to the countless youth who cannot come to HMI.” 

HMI Board Co-Chair Ben Dixon, who has been actively involved with School’s Out for 11 years and  is now in his seventh year as co-chair, adds, “The high energy and positive feedback we receive  after every School’s Out event is infectious and fuels our momentum to surpass the previous year’s  success. We are grateful for the relationships we’ve built over the years with individuals and  organizations, which have been instrumental in making each event an astonishing success. This  support provides HMI with the resources to continue changing and saving the lives of thousands of  LGBTQIA+ youth. We have already begun planning for next year’s School’s Out, which will  celebrate its 25th anniversary. I hope to see you there!” 

ABOUT HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE: Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) is the nation’s oldest LGBTQIA+ youth organization serving queer and trans youth,  primarily of color, between the ages of 13 and 24. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals,  the organization fosters healthy youth development. HMI’s staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services  and uses its expertise to create innovative programs that other organizations may use as models. HMI serves a  diverse community, the vast majority of whom identify as Black or people of color. The youth organization is  dedicated to building its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels, throughout its operations and  functions. 

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