The Hetrick-Martin Institute, dedicated to serving LGBTQIA+ youth, set a new fundraising record at its annual School’s Out Hamptons benefit this year, raking in more than $1 million.
Though the event has outperformed its fundraising goals every year for the last five years, the seven-figure tally was the first in the event’s 26-year history.
“Reaching the $1 million mark reflects years of sustained commitment from people who believe in HMI and its young people,” Ben Dixon, School’s Out and HMI’s board of directors co-chair, said in an official statement. “This event has grown because so many people have opened their own networks to HMI, bringing new donors to the table who go on to become some of our most committed supporters. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped us reach this ambitious goal.”
Founded by Dr. Emery Hetrick and Dr. Damien Martin in 1979, the Hetrick-Martin Institute offers a menu of mental health, education and community-building services and referrals for LGBTQIA+ youth, specifically between the ages of 13 and 24, with a focus on underserved neighborhoods across the country.
School’s Out was inaugurated in 2000, and has since attracted several sponsors, including Nordstrom, United Airlines, Jensen Partners, Dixon Advisory, Mono Monkey and more.
This year’s gathering saw more than 600 guests descend upon the East Coast home of Marcus Brown and his family, who previously hosted the benefit in 2024. “It was an honor to welcome HMI’s community of supporters back to our home,” Brown said in a statement. “The warmth, generosity and shared sense of purpose we witnessed when we first hosted School’s Out in 2024 made the decision to host again an easy one. We are proud to support HMI’s vital work and grateful to everyone who helped the event reach this historic milestone.”
Attendees included Tamron Hall, Lish Steiling, Rolonda Watts, Frederick Anderson, Jamie Drake and host committee members Dorinda Medley, Frank DiLella, Brynn Whitfield, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Thom Filicia.
Performances by New York duo Lion Babe and Jamie Hannah and solo artist Crystal Waters made for an eventful evening, as did the live auction, led by Jason Lamoreaux, that featured a long list of exclusive travel experiences, one-of-a-kind artwork and luxe packages.
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