Southampton Arts Center Honors Jamee and Peter Gregory at SummerFest Gala

Ninth Annual Benefit Raises over $700,000 For Institution’s Programming

L to R: Jamee Gregory, Simone Levinson
Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan/PMC

(Southampton, New York – August 20, 2024) - On Saturday, August 17, Southampton Arts Center (SAC)  celebrated the ninth annual SummerFest Gala, welcoming 355 guests to celebrate SAC and its 2024 Champions of the Arts Award winners, Jamee and Peter Gregory, for their leadership in the Southampton community and their dedication to SAC. The evening raised over $700,000 for the institution’s year-round programming.

The gala, which was co-chaired by Audrey and Martin Gruss, Karen and Richard LeFrak, Simone and David Levinson and Hilary and Wilbur Ross, kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring tasting from top East End restaurants and shops including Amalfi, Bamboo, Clamman, El Verano, Golden Pear, Hampton Gifts and Events, Hamptons Catered Affairs, Party Perfectionists, Saaz, Shippy’s, and Uno Mas. Guests enjoyed passed small plates and sipped Aphrodise, as they were invited to visit Couples Squared, the groundbreaking exhibition guest curated by Phyllis Tuchman and on view through September 14th. The exhibition focuses on couples past and present including husbands and wives and partners, who inspire one another.

Following the cocktail hour, a beautiful dinner by Acquolina was served in the garden, adorned with fairy lights hung above and pink floral arrangements. The spectacular evening was attended by Southampton Arts Center board members and supporters including Roberta Amon, Ann and Keith Barish, Candace Bushnell, Heather Borstein, Sylvia Hemingway, Kim Heirston, Jane Holzer, Heather Ibrahim-Leathers, Elyn Kronemeyer, Joan Morgan McGivern, Fern Mallis, Chris and Richard Mack, Mayor Bill Manger, John Paulson and Alina de Almeida, Fairley Pilaro, Aima Raza, Ugo Rondinone, Jane Rosenblum, Kara Ross, Peter Thomas Roth, Nicole and Allen Salmasi, Siamak Samii, Rebecca Seawright, Jean Shafiroff, Ramona Singer, Michael Spinks, J. Whitney Stevens, Christina Strassfield, Paul Travis, Stefano Tonchi, Helena and Rob Vahradian, Paula Viscogliosi, Marcy and Michael Warren and Bettina Zilkha.

Midway through the event, the Southampton Mayor William Manger Jr. took the floor to present a proclamation to Jamee and Peter Gregory. He stated, “Whereas the Village of Southampton wishes to recognize Jamee and Peter Gregory for their generous commitment to the Southampton Arts Center and our entire community. And whereas Jamee and Peter brought to Southampton a desire to share their fondness of cultural things by way of supporting the mission of the Southampton Arts Center, SAC, which has committed to community building through the arts.”

Honoree Jamee Gregory took the stage to receive the 2024 Champions of the Arts for her and Peter. She stated, “My husband, Peter first brought me here in 1971 and when I saw Southampton, it was love and first sight, the incredible light that has inspired artists for hundreds of years, the pristine beaches, the lovely homes, and a welcoming community. It was magic.” She continued, “I think now that SAC has become the beating heart of our community, offering programs for everyone from the youngest to the age of people like us. There’s energy pulsing from this building.”

While Peter Gregory could not attend the evening, Jamee was able to read his remarks on his behalf. She said, “When I first came to the Hamptons in 1949, there were two cultural institutions between Montauk and Bellport: the Guild Hall where you had occasional summer stock productions and the Parrish where you had Samuel Parrish's permanent collection. How things have changed over the years. We have been very lucky to have a vibrant cultural life in the Hamptons.”

The evening concluded with spectacular performances by Tony Award-winner Adrienne Warren and Broadway star and recording artist Jessica Vosk, who left the crowd in awe.

The proceeds from the event allow SAC to provide 4 world-class exhibitions and 150 programs annually. Yearly, SAC welcomes over 45,000 visitors who enjoy film, music, dance, theater, children’s events, talks, wellness programs, and workshops. These programs advance our mission of community building through the arts and support our local businesses, increasing the vitality of our beautiful village.

Media Sponsors for the event included PALMER and Purist.

For media inquiries please contact Sarah Gartner or Couri Hay at R. Couri Hay Creative PR

T: 1-212-580-0835 E: Sarah@rcourihaycpr.com | Couri@rcourihaycpr.com

ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER 

Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts. We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines – welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond. SAC is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. 

For more information about Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968, visit southamptonartscenter.org or call 631.283.0967.
Follow SAC on Facebook and Instagram @southamptonartscenter. For press inquiries, contact SAC at pr@southamptoncenter.org.