This year’s exciting Summer Gala Benefit will honor leaders who are redefining wildlife conservation in the 21st century: Alan Rabinowitz, the CEO of Panthera, dedicated to the conservation of the world’s wild cats; Ocearch’s Founding Chairman Chris Fischer, a pioneer in studying and tracking great white and tiger sharks; and artist, author and photographer Peter Beard and his wife, Nejma Beard.

VIP pre-Gala Cocktail Reception 6pm – 7pm; Event Reception 7pm – 10pm

The 6:00-7:00 pm Pre-gala VIP Cocktail Reception will feature a Special Tasting Menu by Leading Chefs & Restaurants Peter Ambrose, Endless Summer Grille; Marco Barilla, Insatiable Eats; Keith Davis, The Golden Pear; Greg Grossman, Oreya Restaurant & Lounge at the Capri; Kerry Heffernan, Grand Banks Restaurant; Matt Ketcham at Ketcham’s Seafarm; David Loewenberg & Sam McCleland, The Beacon and Bell & Anchor; and Andrew Schor, East Hampton Grill (list in formation).

The 7:00-10:00 pm Gala Reception will feature abundant farm-to-table and sustainable seafood hors d’oeuvres catered by Peter Ambrose, an Honoree Presentation, special surprise guests, Live and Silent Auctions, and Dancing to the In the Groove Band, with a special guest performance by Livingston Taylor.

VIP Tickets are $1,300, and general admission (with limited availability) tickets are $425. Young Professionals (30 and under) tickets are $275. VIP Tables are $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000.

For VIP tickets, tables and business sponsorship opportunities, call Diana Aceti, Director of Development at 631.903.7217, or email daceti@sofo.org. General admission tickets can be purchased online at http://sofo.org/summer-gala/ or by calling 631.537.9735.