The 14th Annual Hamptons Happening celebrated the achievements and charitable contributions benefitting the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) at Kenneth and Maria Fishel’s Bridgehampton estate. Hosting the most anticipated summer benefit was CBS 2 co-anchor Chris Wragge who helped honor leading industry visionaries including: Chef Honoree Matt Lambert, Executive Chef & Co-owner of The Musket Room and Michelin Star Recipient; Fashion Honoree Ramy Brook Sharp, Founder & Creative Director of Ramy Brook; and Business Honoree Joe Farrell, Founder & President of Farrell Building Company.

Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Chris and Sarah Wragge, Kenneth and Maria Fishel, Chef Matt Lambert, Ramy Brook Sharp, Robert Sharp, Joe Farrell, Michael Nierenberg, Elin Nierenberg, Laurie L. Schaffran, James E. Frankel, Jill Frankel, Lewis and Wendy Rubin, Wendy Rubin, Howard Shlafmitz, Natali Yura, Marc Taub, Sheriff and The Deputy, Marc Leder, Brian Waterman, Debby Hymowitz, Rique Uresti, William T. Sullivan, Robin Lathrop, Jesse Dean, Rachel Kramer, Karen Amster-Young, Benjamin Young, Erica Fineberg, Chris Arlotta, Barbara Lambert, Jessica Mackin, Jake Taub, Marc Taub, Duncan Shiek, Andrea Fornarola, Ian Duke, Scott Kampf, Jean Shafiroff, Ricky and Dianna Passarelli.

The Hamptons Happening drew more than 300 distinguished guests in celebration of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s international efforts to cure cancer. Calling to action the members of the audience, emcee Chris Wragge asked those who have been affected by the disease to raise their hands. The wave of hands emphasized the heartfelt connection between both supporters and collaborators that further tied them to the cause Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Samuel Waxman has dedicated his entire career.

Taking the stage, Samuel Waxman, M.D. joined Chris Wragge to graciously present awards to the honorees and event hosts who included the East End’s most sought-after home developer, Joe Farrell, leading contemporary womenswear founder and creative director of Ramy Brook, Ramy Brook Sharp, and Michelin-star Executive Chef Matt Lambert of the Musket Room. Philanthropist family Kenneth and Maria Fishel, accompanied by their children Melissa and Bradley, have hosted the Hamptons Happening at their 15-acre Bridgehampton residence for four successive years. Maria Fishel accepted a bouquet of white roses, on behalf of her family, for their reputable dedication in the fight against cancer. The Fishels reciprocated with an additional $10,000 donation towards the Foundation.

Facilitated by auctioneer Duncan Shieb, the live auction led to a spirited bidding war for a selection of thoughtfully curated auction items. A Rosewood Fairmont Resorts package auctioned for $8,000 brought additional philanthropic support to the Foundation. A dinner and wine pairing for eight at The Musket Room was secured by a final bid of $5,000. Also, a hands-on internship experience at the Ramy Brook store was secured by another auction participant. Two bidders secured tee times for four players at Robert Rubin’s exclusive The Bridge Golf Club. Lastly, a “Passport” Vacation auction item with more than 20 travel destinations to choose from went to a very lucky winner.

Every year, The Hamptons Happening is among the most eagerly awaited events of the Hamptons summer 2018 social calendar. The benefit is a scrumptious celebration of New York’s finest cuisine, personally presented by 20 of the top chefs of the most celebrated restaurants in New York City and the Hamptons. Guests indulged their appetites for the savory and the sweet, mixed and mingled, bid on exciting live and silent auction items and danced to world renowned bluegrass band Sheriff and The Deputy all the while collaborating to fund the quest for a cure for cancer.

Sheriff Bob of Goodtimes and Deputy Kat Minogue treated guests to a bluegrass and country music jam playing the feel-good sounds of authentic country music. In high spirits, Dr. Waxman took part in the “Goodtimes” on stage as guests sung along during the one-of-a-kind performance. The event’s producer was Robin Lathrop of ByRobin and Untouchable Events donated a DJ and photo booth.

The 14th Annual Hamptons Happening was chaired by Event Co-Founder Marion N. Waxman, Sponsorship Chair Karen Amster-Young and Journal Chair Erica Linden-Fineberg. The Hamptons Happening committee members included Chris Arlotta, Ellen Antonucci, Jordan Brail, Maria Fishel, Barbara Lambert, Jessica Mackin, Laurie Schaffran, Jake Taub, and Erin Woudsma.

Sponsors and event partners included: AmTrust Title, Bridgehampton National Bank, Farrell Building Company, J.P. Morgan Private Banking, Palm Bay International, Sun Capital Partners, ByRobin, The Independent, with Hampton Luxury Liner as the Transportation Sponsor, and Hamptons Magazine as the Media Sponsor. Participating restaurants, chefs and spirits brands included: Union Cantina, 21 Club, Backyard Brine Pickle Company, Centro Trattoria & Bar, Clarkson Ave. Crumb Cakes, Eataly, Great Performances Catering, Golden Pear Café, Insatiable EATS Catering & Event Specialists, Haas Brothers Tequila, Magnolia Bakery, MarieBelle Chocolates, The Musket Room, Montauk Hard Label Whiskey, Saaz Indian Restaurant, Seafood Shoppe, Simple Vodka, South Fork Bakery, Union League Club, and Woops! Macarons.

Performers from The National Circus Project returned to The Hamptons Happening for a third year to delight attendees with their whimsical presence and magic tricks.

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer. This research is the basis for developing minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded approximately $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.

For more information on SWCRF, visit: www.waxmancancer.org

About Sheriff and The Deputy

Sheriff Bob, also known as Sheriff Uncle Bob and The Sheriff of Goodtimes, has been playing Country, Bluegrass, and Folk music in New York City for more than 60 years. In the 50s and 60s Bob was playing in West Village cafes with the likes of Wavy Gravy and Bob Dylan. The Sheriff currently runs a jam every third Wednesday of the month at the Zinc Bar, where everyone is encouraged to play and sing along and learn the songs—to take part in the Goodtimes! Sheriff Bob also supports other jams, such as Mona’s Monday Night Bluegrass Session, run by guitarist Rick Snell. Sheriff Bob also brings Goodtimes to the small Caribbean island of Anguilla, where he co-produces the Moonsplash festival at the Dune Preserve with long-time friend and fellow musician, Bankie Banx. The Sheriff also runs a studio where artists such as Chris Thile, The Punch Brothers, and Phoebe Hunt have recorded. Sheriff Bob is currently producing a short documentary film about being “The Sheriff of Goodtimes,” featuring some of the finest musicians in New York City! This film will premiere at the “Doc NYC” film festival in November 2018.

In 2017, Sheriff Bob teamed up with long-time singing partner, Kat Minogue, to form the band, Sheriff and The Deputy. Kat grew up in the country but only started playing Bluegrass and Country music when she moved to the city. It is the mission of this band to bring Goodtimes to people through music. Sheriff and The Deputy plays Opry City Stage, the Zinc Bar, Thompson Street Medicine Show, Anyway Cafe, Mona’s, Porchlight, and has just been accepted into the MTA Music Under New York program!

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