by Jennifer Michaels
With the most breathtaking sunset views in East Hampton as our backdrop, the rescue pets at the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) clearly stole the show during a cocktail party on the water, at the Boathouse at East Hampton Point. ARF kicked off the summer season with its signature Rescues & Rosé celebration, hosted by the ARF Hamptons Young Professionals Committee. The evening featured flowing rosé from Wölffer Estate Vineyard and beer from Kidd Squid Brewing Co., along with specialty rose cocktails, and refreshing mocktails by poppi. Guests enjoyed music by GR1FN, elevated hors d’oeuvres, live portrait painting by Kathryn McCabe Art, and an exclusive look at the new Summer Collection from Fashion Sponsor J. McLaughlin, including pieces from its collaboration with celebrated interior designer Mark D. Sikes. While the rosé was certainly a highlight, the true stars of the evening were ARF’s adorable adoptable cats and dogs. Guests had the opportunity to meet, cuddle, and snap photos with the shelter animals, creating unforgettable moments with the most perfect sunset while supporting ARF’s mission to help homeless pets find loving homes.
Notable attendees included Kim Nichols, Dale Ellen Leff, Mike and Pat Frazino, Pierce Canno Roberts and Jonathan Canno, Jessica Koenigsberg-Wurpel, Andy Sabin and Vivi Zhou, Gina Bondinello, Andrew Yuder and Kyle Glaeser, Amelia and Mitchell Kaneff, Lindsay Berman and Skyler Moran, Elizabeth Mellgard Nelson and Kyle Nelson, Meghan Bozek, Kimberly Dautenhahn and John Raio, Daniel Spelman, Paget Stanco, France Posener and Mark Borucke, Jack Lynch, Alana and Matt Killian
Proceeds from the event will help provide care, shelter, medical treatment, and second chances for the cats and dogs at ARF Hamptons while supporting the organization’s lifesaving rescue and adoption programs. The Young Professionals Committee for the 2026 Rescues & Rosé event included Christine Altuna, Lindsay Berman, Hana Betts, Skylar Borucke-Tocci, Meghan Bozek, Kimberly Dautenhahn, Gloria Dios, Charlotte Havemeyer, Amelia Kaneff, Alana Killian, Elizabeth Mellgard Nelson, Skyler Moran, Alyssa Moudis, Daniel Spelman, Paget Stanco, and Emily Washkowitz Tarkan.