Many thanks to the sponsors, donors, members, friends, and colleagues, who made our 2024 Benefit Party an incredible success! The sold-out event on June 21, 2024, at the Webb Institute in Glen Cove, formerly Herbert L. Pratt estate and winner of our 2022 Preservation Award for Project Excellence, was attended by over 200 Preservation Long Island supporters!
We extend a special thank you to this year’s event co-chairs: Carol Bentel FAIA, Pia Crary, Edward Dugger, Victoria Greenleaf, Cindy Ketchum, and the 120 members of the 2024 Benefit Committee. This year’s benefit exceeded our $130,000 fundraising goal, grossing over $145,000! As the only regional not-for-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation on geographic Long Island, proceeds from the annual event help fund initiatives such as the Jupiter Hammon Project and Endangered Historic Places, and support our core programs including advocacy services, public education, exhibitions, and the stewardship of our historic sites and collections.
We are delighted to share highlights from the gathering below (click on an image or arrow to scroll through the gallery). The entire photo gallery from the event can be viewed online HERE and at Getty Images.
Event photography by Patrick McMullan.
Benefit party guests gathered in the gardens of The Braes, now the Webb Institute’s Stevenson Taylor Hall, taking in the spectacular 270º view of the Long Island Sound while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tours of the original main building and the new 30,000 square-foot addition, were provided by principals from Bentel and Bentel Architects and the Webb Institute.
Board President Michelle Elliott Gokey welcomed party guests and provided updates about the work of Preservation Long Island. The program included remarks by outgoing Executive Director, Alexandra Parsons Wolfe and Carol Bentel, a partner in the studio of Bentel & Bentel Architects, who explained the historical significance of both the original house and terraced landscape and provided an overview of the firm’s historically sensitive design of new Couch Academic Center.
The program concluded with Trustee Diahn McGrath introducing US Congressman Tom Suozzi who presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to Preservation Long Island for 76 years of service to historic preservation and ensuring that Long Island’s shared past is preserved for future generations.
We also acknowledge the vendors and service providers who helped to make the 2024 Benefit Party an unforgettable event:
Webb Insitute (party host site, catering services, tours)
Bentel & Bentel Architects (tours)
Move On Vibez Entertainment (music and DJ)
Christen Dekie (piano and vocals)
Patrick McMullan Photography and Getty Images
Global Signs & Printing
Valdy Enterprises Valet
Long Island Tent & Party Rentals
Minute Man Press Huntington
In-kind donations and charitable organization pricing were contributed by:
Francky Elmon Photography – photos of our sites for the promotional materials
Three Star Printing – benefit program
Total Wines & More – wines and spirits
