Hamptonites came out to show their support at An Enchanted Evening to Benefit The Ellen Hermanson Foundation.

Supporters enjoyed an evening of cuisine by Jean-Georges, dancing with DJ Double S Productions, Mirror Photobooth NYC, live auction & more!

The event took place at the Topping Rose House located at 1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike Bridgehampton, NY.

Special Honors went to BNB Bank also the event honored Senator Kenneth P. LaValle

Kenneth P. LaValle, (R-C-I, Port Jefferson) was first elected to the New York State Senate in 1976 and was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education in 1979. Senator LaValle has helped shape higher education policy in New York State for more than 30 years where his work with education leaders at the State University of New York, City University of New York and independent colleges has earned him the respect of the academic community. In 2007, the Governor appointed Senator LaValle to the New York State Commission on Higher Education which was charged with identifying ways of improving the quality of higher education in the State. Senator LaValle also served on the National Council of State Legislatures’ Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education whose goal was to create awareness among State Legislatures of their role in providing accessible and affordable public higher education. Senator LaValle's achievements in education and higher education are matched by a distinguished record in health care and he is most proud of his work in establishing a Burn Unit at Stony Brook University Medical Center. His legislation to protect and advance the rights of patients earned him special recognition from the Suffolk County Breast Health Partnership. St. Charles Hospice also paid tribute to his efforts in developing a program for terminally ill patients in nursing homes. His commitment to quality health care is continued in his efforts to create an east end hospital alliance, ensuring continued access to vital health services on eastern Long Island. Senator LaValle was instrumental in creating The Long Island High Technology Incubator at Stony Brook University and championed the Stony Brook University Incubator at Calverton. The Calverton Incubator was conceived as an economic engine to enhance Eastern Long Island's agricultural, aquacultural and environmental industries. The Long Island High Technology Incubator is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping new technologically-innovative companies to grow by providing them with a variety of support resources and services. Since opening in 1992, the Incubator has been associated with more than 70 businesses, and 44 companies have graduated successfully from the LIHTI program, contributing more than $2.5B to the national economy and creating jobs for more than 500 employees. Senator LaValle's environmental legacy is reflected in the enactment of the Pine Barrens Preservation Act of 1993. As the author of this historic legislation, he has assured the protection of environmentally-sensitive lands for generations to come and is often cited as a landmark initiative in the environmental well-being of Long Island. The Long Island Pine Barrens Society, the Group for the South Fork, the North Fork Environmental Council, the Peconic Land Trust, and the Nature Conservancy are but a few of the many organizations from which Senator LaValle has received praise for his positive contributions on environmental issues. Throughout his tenure in the New York State Senate, real property tax relief has been an important priority for Senator LaValle. As a major architect in the development of the STAR program, he takes tremendous personal satisfaction in the benefits this initiative has brought to homeowners in the First Senatorial District. Senator LaValle has also been a formidable advocate for the disabled. He was responsible for drafting much of the existing legislation providing disabled citizens with greater access to educational opportunities and continues to champion issues important to senior citizens. Senator LaValle has also advanced bills critical to local firefighters and veterans' organizations. In recognition of his outstanding dedication to the people of New York State, Senator LaValle has been repeatedly named "Man of the Year" and "Legislator of the Year" by diverse groups of local and statewide organizations. He was also presented the Medallion of the University from the State University of New York at Albany and the University Medal from Stony Brook University in tribute to his work in higher education. Both awards are the highest honor accorded by the universities. Extremely proud of his Italian heritage, Senator LaValle was privileged to receive the honorary title "Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Italiana" from the Italian Government for his work in education and promotion of cultural exchange. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Senator LaValle graduated from Hempstead High School on Long Island. He earned his undergraduate degree at Adelphi College, a degree in education from the State University College at New Paltz, and a J.D. degree from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. Senator LaValle has completed extensive graduate study in Government and International Relations at New York University and received an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law Degree from Dowling College. Senator LaValle is the father of two grown children, James and Lisa and the proud grandfather of Jessica Katherine and Elvis William LaValle, and Joshua Eric and Justin David Russ. He resides in Port Jefferson with his wife Penny. In addition to his standing committee assignments, Senator LaValle is Chairman of the Senate Minority Conference.

The Ellen Hermanson Foundation was established in 1997 to honor the memory of Ellen Hermanson and carry on the important work to which she devoted so much of her time and energy. An activist and an advocate, Ellen channeled her journalistic talents to become a forceful voice for breast cancer patients and their families. She educated her readers about the importance of early detection, the challenges of living with breast cancer, the very real but little-discussed or understood issue of pain management, and the debilitating effects of breast cancer on the entire family.

The Ellen Hermanson Foundation is unique in its commitment to helping breast cancer patients and their families cope with the physical and emotional aspects of breast cancer. No patient is turned away from the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center for lack of insurance or inability to pay for treatment. All services though Ellen’s Well are provided free of charge.

The Ellen Hermanson Foundation ensures access to state-of-the-art breast health care and empowers people affected by cancer. The Foundation primarily serves breast cancer patients on the East End of Long Island, New York, and fulfills its mission by focusing on two areas:

providing educational outreach about the importance of early detection, and access to mammography and treatment to medically underserved communities

funding psychosocial support services that address the broad range of issues facing breast cancer patients, survivors, spouses, families, and friends

Ellen's Run

Ellen’s Run, an annual 5k (3.1-mile) race, is the signature fundraising event of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation and an innovative, grassroots event, that raises awareness about breast cancer. Held on the East End of Long Island, where breast cancer diagnosis and mortality rates are among the highest in the state of New York, Ellen’s Run draws on the strength of the community and gives back by providing mammography screenings, support and education. Proceeds from Ellen’s Run support the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Southampton Hospital by funding state-of-the-art technology. Ellen’s Run also supports Ellen’s Well, a program that provides psychosocial support for breast cancer survivors under the leadership of a specially trained oncological social worker.

Ellen’s Run is a family event, aimed at both serious runners—women and men alike—and casual runners, as well as walkers and supporters of all ages. It engenders camaraderie and community as participants support or memorialize a loved one. Breast cancer survivors are recognized and applauded for their courage. A special prize is awarded to the first breast cancer survivor to finish the race. Those who have been touched by the disease or the specter of the disease have the chance to take a positive step.

The First Annual Ellen’s Run attracted more than 500 participants and raised more than $62,000—an astonishing success for a first-time event. By the third year, the amount of money raised had more than doubled. By its fourth year, Ellen's Run had become the largest race on the South Fork, with nearly 900 registered participants. As we approach our 22nd year, Ellen’s Run has grown to over 1,000 participants and The Ellen Hermanson Foundation has awarded more than $4 million in grants.

The Ellen P. Hermanson Foundation was incorporated under the not-for-profit laws of the State of New York and is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to The Ellen P. Hermanson Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Copies of the Foundation's Form 990 are available at www.guidestar.org. A copy of the Foundation's Form 990 for the past five tax years may also be obtained by calling (212) 840-0916 to request a copy.

Guest also enjoyed LIVE AUCTION with Lucas Hunt of Hunt Auctioneers and entertainment by Samantha Massell Broadway Star.

Gala Chair Jean Shafiroff Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, is actively involved as a volunteer fundraiser and leader of several charitable causes. Her managerial skills, compassion, generosity and enthusiastic dedication are among her strongest traits. She possesses a remarkable ability to connect different charitable groups with interested people and resources. Jean’s particular interests include charities related to women, health care, animals and the people of the cities she calls home.

Jean’s hands-on involvement with the multiple causes she supports is one of her strongest traits. Each year she chairs numerous galas and host events benefiting not-for-profit organizations. She has chaired numerous galas including ones for New York Women’s Foundation, Southampton Hospital, NYC Mission Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, French Heritage Society, JBFCS, Lighthouse International, American Cancer Society, Southampton Bath and Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation and Solar One.

Jean is particularly known for her leadership in raising money for the Southampton Hospital. In 2010, 2011 and 2013 she served as the chairwoman of the Southampton Hospital’s Annual Summer Galas, which collectively raised $5.4 million ($1.7, $2 and $1.7 million, respectively).

Julie Ratner is the co-founder and chairwoman of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation which she founded in 1996 with her her sister Emily Levin. Named in honor of their younger sister, Ellen, who died in 1995 of breast cancer at the age of 42, the foundation has distributed more than $4 million in grants.

Julie worked as a school librarian at the Brearley School and at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in New York City before enrolling in the Department of Higher and Adult Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1990. She earned her Doctorate in Education in 1996.

Currently, Julie is a member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the New York State Breast Cancer Network. She has also served on the boards of the League Education and Treatment Center in Brooklyn (as President), Congressman Tim Bishop’s Breast Cancer Advisory Board, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Chamber Symphony, the Hadassah Foundation, and The American Friends of the Soroka Medical Center of the Negev in Israel.

Julie received her B.A. from Simmons College with honors (1968), M.L.S. from Columbia University School of Library Science (1970), and M.A. and Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University (1996). She is a graduate of Project Lead, Science Training Course, sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

She has two daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth.

For more information please visit https://www.ellenhermanson.org

Keep reading Cognac's Corner Magazine for the very best in Red Carpet Events in Long Island, Manhattan and the Hamptons. 

Pink Champagne Kisses

Cognac Wellelane