Hetrick-Martin Institute’s Hamptons benefit tops $1 million for the first time

Hetrick-Martin Institute said its annual School’s Out benefit in Water Mill raised more than $1 million on July 25, a first in the event’s 26-year history. The record haul will support services for LGBTQIA+ youth and marks the fifth straight year the fundraiser has set a new high.

Why it matters: - The $1 million-plus total expands funding for Hetrick-Martin Institute’s free services for LGBTQIA+ young people. - The money supports safe, affirming spaces, mental-health support, community programs and other resources for youth who often face barriers to care. - School’s Out has now posted a fundraising record for five consecutive years, showing continued donor growth.

What happened: - Hetrick-Martin Institute said its annual Hamptons benefit, School’s Out, raised more than $1 million on Saturday, July 25, at the Water Mill home of Marcus Brown and his family. - More than 600 guests attended the event. - The 2026 total was the first seven-figure result in the benefit’s 26-year history. - The Brown family also hosted School’s Out in 2024.

The details: - Fundraising came through sponsorships, donations, a live auction and a special paddle raise. - School’s Out co-chairs Ben Dixon, Bryan Ludwig, Tonia Steck and Crystal Waters helped lead the evening alongside Marcus Brown’s family, HMI CEO Amy Harclerode, Ira Rogers, HMI’s Board of Directors, Associate Board, staff, sponsors and volunteers. - Ben Dixon has co-chaired School’s Out for 10 years and now co-chairs HMI’s Board of Directors. - HMI said proceeds have risen more than 60% since 2023, from $620,000 to more than $1 million this year. - Jason Lamoreaux led the live auction during cocktail hour and later drove the paddle raise at the “Best of the Hamptons” dinner. - The auction featured original artwork, exclusive travel experiences and luxury packages. - Lead sponsors included Nordstrom, United Airlines, Anthony Taccetta Event Design, Jensen Partners, Coatue, Mono Monkey and Dixon Advisory.

Between the lines: - The growth suggests School’s Out has become a stronger platform for HMI’s fundraising network and a bigger draw for donors, sponsors and high-profile guests. - HMI framed the record as evidence that more people are opening their networks to the organization, bringing in new donors who become repeat supporters. - The White Lotus-inspired design and celebrity-heavy guest list helped position the event as both a fundraiser and a major Hamptons social event. - The event’s steady record-setting run signals strong demand for causes tied to LGBTQIA+ youth support, even in a competitive summer benefit season.

What’s next: - Hetrick-Martin Institute will use the funds to sustain services for LGBTQIA+ youth in the year ahead. - School’s Out will likely return as a marquee summer fundraiser after another record-setting year. - HMI leaders said the new funding should help more young people access support at no cost.

The bottom line: - School’s Out crossed a symbolic threshold and gave Hetrick-Martin Institute its biggest Hamptons benefit yet, with the strongest sign being that the event keeps growing after 26 years.