More than 350 East End friends and neighbors inspired to protect the lands and waters that make Long Island a natural paradise gathered at The Nature Conservancy’s “Nature Inspires!” Beaches & Bays Gala on June 28, honoring Bobbie Braun and The Neuwirth Foundation, and celebrating 20 years of support by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Silas Marder curated a stellar gala art show featuring the work of Jim Gingerich, Terry Elkins, Catherine Krusos, and a special installation of projections taken at the Andy Warhol Preserve by Jill Musnicki. Guests were invited to take part in an art “action” painting, which invited guests to translate inspiration into actions that will help The Nature Conservancy continue their important work. The premiere of “My Favorite Island” featuring Jimmy Buffett and dancing to “The Super T Revue” (known for rocking the house at Jenna Bush Hager’s wedding) were all part of the fun on the grounds of The Nature Conservancy’s Center for Conservation in East Hampton.

Executive Director Nancy Kelley thanked guests for supporting the organization’s efforts to protect clean water on Long Island noting, “Nitrogen pollution has been declared ‘public enemy number one’ across Long Island, from East Hampton to Glen Cove. And public dollars for clean water improvements are starting to flow from local, state and federal agencies. The work to restore our waters has just begun, and The Nature Conservancy must continue to bring science, smart policy and effective communication to see this effort through.”

Phyllis Tooey and Jeffrey Pfeifle

Featured artist and honoree Bobbie Braun [above] gave heartfelt remarks, sharing, “The work of the Nature Conservancy mirrors the ever changing world. The ability to constantly and consistently seek out ways to improve the quality of the air we breath, the water we depend on, and the very quality of life for people is the essence of its mission. I believe helping people ultimately is teh highest level of good work, and the Nature Conservancy’s core mission is exactly that.”

Kelli Delaney Kot and Dr. Mark Kot

The “Nature Inspires” gala raised more than $725,000 to benefit The Nature Conservancy on Long Island as it protects and restores natural areas including bays, harbors and woodlands; transforms how nature is valued and used; and inspires people to collective action (nature.org/beachesandbays).

(Above photo Rob Rich Society Allure)