Mark your calendars! The Hetrick-Martin Institute has announced the date for their annual Schools Out Benefit. The Hetrick-Martin Institute has been serving the LGBTQ+ youth for decades and each summer sets out to raise money for their youth to ensure that they will have the resources they need through the summer months when schools are closed and resources are scarce. Last year the event raised over $600,000; almost double the amount of money that was raised the previous summer! KDHamptons has more details on the upcoming event below…

The Hetrick-Martin Institute believes all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential and this benefit helps the institute do so. The youth who become a member at HMI have access to resources such as…

-Emergency Services: Food, Pantry (clothing toiletries, laundry), Showers, etc.

-Counseling & Case Management:  Group and Individual Connection to Services

-Health & Wellness

-Academic Enrichment & Job Readiness

HMI CEO and Chief Development Officer, Amy Harclerode said, “The money raised from School’s Out plays a vital role in enabling HMI to address the growing needs of LGBTQIA+ youth who rely on our drop-in center each year, providing them with free access to essential resources and services.”

Harclerode goes on to say that the event’s funds that are raised “enable HMI to conduct critical outreach and engagement, reaching over 4,000 youth who may never make it to HMI, annually through the Kiki Community and Services for Homeless Youth. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making this year’s event an astounding success.”

The co-chairs for this year’s event are Benjamin Dixon, Tonia Steck and Lary Milstein. The event, hosted by Marcus, Christopher and Rachel Brown will take place on July 20th and will kick off the evening with cocktails at 5:00 followed by the VIP ‘Taste of the Hamptons’ Dinner at 7:30 with dishes from Duryea’s,  STK Steakhouse and Almond. Sponsors for the event include Nordstrom, Barry’s Bootcamp, United Airlines and more.

For more information on the HMI’s Schools Out Benefit or to buy tickets to the event, click HERE.

Written by Nicole Vawter

Images: Courtney-Andrew Werner