FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE AIMS TO BREAK ANOTHER RECORD AT 2023 ANNUAL HAMPTONS FUNDRAISER, SCHOOL’S OUT
Boldface Names on Board in Support of LGBTQIA+ Youth
New York, NY, May 5, 2023 – After a record-breaking event last year, Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) has set out to surpass the money raised at its annual Hamptons summer fundraiser, School’s Out, to be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 in Water Mill at the home of Jose Castro and Nathan Orsman. Fueled by the momentum coming out of last year’s benefit, the LGBTQIA+ youth organization immediately began planning for this summer’s event which is being co-chaired by HMI Board Member and founder of Douglas Elliman’s Mackay | Dixon Team, Ben Dixon, Saks Fifth Avenue Capital Projects Development Manager, Alessandro Ford-Rippolone and The Points Guy founder, Brian Kelly.
HMI is expecting around 500 people to attend this year’s cocktail party that kicks off School’s Out at 5:30 pm. A “Best of the Hamptons” sit-down dinner for 150 guests will follow at 7:30 pm. The dinner, which is already more than halfway sold out, will offer a masterfully curated menu featuring dishes from the best of the best—Duryea’s, STK Steakhouse, Almond Restaurant and Kerber’s Farm.
This year’s School’s Out host committee is comprised of new and returning notables including Dennis Basso, Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent, Isaac Boots, Andy Cohen, Thom Filicia, Steven Gambrel, David Kleinberg, Michael Lorber, and Sydney Sadick. The annual fundraiser, launched in 1998, was created to help fund and support programs for LGBTQIA+ youth throughout the summer months, when resources tend to be scarce. Today, in the wake of increasing anti-LGBTQ legislation in a post-COVID world, HMI has amplified its efforts behind the annual School’s Out benefit to raise more money so that it can fulfill the increase in demand among queer and trans youth of color seeking mental health and wellness services.
HMI Chief Development Officer, Amy Harclerode said, “The initiative behind School’s Out has consistently served its purpose in providing resources for tens of thousands of young people throughout the summer months, for more than two decades. This success has provided a springboard for raising more money through increased visibility and sponsorships, so that HMI has the needed resources to address the growing mental health crisis among LGBTQIA+ young people.”
HMI board member and event co-chair, Ben Dixon, who has actively been involved with School’s Out for 10 years and has served as co-chair for the past six years adds, “Last year we raised more than $350,000, the most ever raised in the 23-year history of School’s Out. We’re really proud of our achievements and grateful to the sponsors, board members, staff, donors and volunteers who have helped make School’s Out a success year after year. This singular event has made a substantial impact in changing and saving lives of countless LGBTQIA+ youth, which has been and remains personally rewarding for me.”
Event co-chair, Alessandro Ford-Rippolone, remarked, “This is my first year to participate and serve as co-chair, and I’m excited to be involved and support such a worthy cause. We’ve been meeting weekly since February to plan another outstanding event. Attendees should expect some elements of surprise this year.”
Tickets and sponsorships for School’s Out can be purchased at hmischoolsout.com. Cocktail tickets start at $500 and Best of the Hamptons Dinner tickets start at $1,500. A pre-sale discount offer for general admission tickets is available through midnight, Saturday, May 6. In addition to the restaurants who are generously donating to this year’s event, HMI also thanks Nordstrom, United Airlines and Douglas Elliman’s Mackay | Dixon Team for their sponsorships.
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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Press Contact:
Gino Hawley
Marketing Communications
917-319-4078
ghawley@hmi.org