article and photos by Lieba Nesis

The Hamptons continues its frenetic pace with close to ten events this past August 10th-13th 2023 weekend.  From East to South the nights are jam packed with cocktail parties, animal benefits and charity galas.  After a very rainy Thursday, guests were more than ready for a rescheduled “Second Chance Rescue” Gala at the Baker House East Hampton where honoree Zach Erdem spoke of his love for animals and made a sizable donation.  And yes Zach can afford it, after selling $20,000 tables at his Main Room nightclub Saturday night, and welcoming Kelsey Grammer to promote his “Faith” beer at Zach’s perfectly situated 75 Main Southampton restaurant that afternoon, Erdem is having what one would call a perfect Hamptons summer.  And he is not the only one as Keith Valenti, manager of T-Bar Southampton, said this was by far the most lucrative year in history, after successfully introducing a new mixology program to their drink mix, allowing for fresh cold pressed juices and syrups all made on the premises.

East Hampton is similarly on the upswing as a mecca for luxury goods with record retail prices as Gucci, Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton set up shop on the coveted Newtown Lane.  Housing prices are also through the roof as Jackie Kennedy’s home on 121 Further Lane recently changed hands for $52 million-the seller being none other than film and movie producer David Zander.

Living in the Hamptons is pricey, just ask members of Tracy Anderson’s exercise studio who cough up a $5,500 annual “mat fee” to reserve a spot in her overcrowded classes.  And if you want to attend the weekend galas deep pockets are necessary starting with the exclusive Northwell Health shindig that was one of the most under the radar evenings of the summer taking place Saturday August 12th in Water Mill, New York.  Plastic surgeon Norman Rowe was one of the illustrious attendees along with his knockout wife Mia Scher. Norman is one of those rare doctors who cater to both men and women, starting an exclusive “Clubhouse” which allows men to pursue anti-aging and rejuvenation treatments through a discreet private entrance.

With multiple offices in New York, New Jersey and the Hamptons, Rowe is heading upstream as he bets heavily on the exploding beauty market.  Speaking of beauty, 61-year-old Paula Abdul wowed the Northwell Health crowd with a lengthy set that included such hits as “Straight Up” and “Cold Hearted.”  Accompanied by a half a dozen backup dancers the magical performance had Hamptonites on their feet cheering as Abdul basked in the plaudits.

Ten minutes down the road The Third Annual Diabetes Research Institute Hamptons Garden Gala, with tickets at $1,500 a piece, was taking place at the magnificent home of Patricia and Roger Silverstein.  The newlywed couple, who recently tied the knot in Ibiza, were glowing as they welcomed over 200 guests to their lovely soirée that featured dinner, dancing and a lively auction. Patricia glowed in a pink gown as she dazzled guests with her warm smile and friendly affect.

Knowing Sunday would be equally busy, I readied myself for the Sag Harbor Center for Jewish Life Gala taking place at the magnificent home of power couple Jared and Mindy Epstein. Jared is an avid member of the Sag Harbor Jewish community continually volunteering his resources and time to help those in need despite his busy calendar. He began his illustrious business career in 2001 as a club promoter in the Meatpacking district before making his move into purchasing buildings.

Epstein welcomed fellow Real Estate moguls Keith Rubinstein, Max and Michelle Breskin, and Ken, María and Brad Fishel as honorees-whose similarly humble demeanor belied their extraordinary financial success. Ken spoke of the recent spate of anti-Semitic incidents necessitating  the cohesiveness of the entire Jewish Community; as Brad and Maria spoke of the impactful Rabbi Lerman who had brought them closer to their roots. Not to be outdone, Real Estate mogul Keith Rubenstein, head of Somerset Partners, described how spirituality had recently permeated his lifestyle as he dons tefillin daily whether on a yacht in St. Tropez or at a billion dollar property closing.

This evening is always one of the summer highlights as $360 purchases a lively auction where deals such as dinner for ten at Rao’s went for $7,500, phenomenal entertainment by Aryeh Horowitz and DJ Nesher, a delectable meat meal and over-the-top Jewish dancing.  A $5 million fundraising campaign is currently underway after the exploding Sag Harbor community, which began services in a tiny living room in 2013, continues to make headway as a dominant force in the South Fork Jewish community.  Publicity maven Adam Weiss, an active member of the Chabad community, left the evening early to attend his own “Impact Wealth Conference” and magazine party where luminaries such as Ciara, Andy Sabin, Donna Karan and Anthony Scaramucci, cavorted with reality stars Jackie Siegel and Jill Zarin.  Weiss is an avid advocate of powerful women representing political dynamos Kimberly Guilfoyle and Jeanine Pirro. As the summer heads to a conclusion the Hamptons shows no signs of slowing down, as the Waxman Cancer Foundation hosts its annual “Kids Cancel Cancer” at the East Hampton Clubhouse Tuesday August 15th.