Katie Couric Headlines East Hampton Emergency Department Fundraiser Luncheon
On July 13, 2023, the annual East Hampton Emergency Department fundraiser luncheon witnessed a captivating speech by renowned journalist, health advocate, and philanthropist Katie Couric. Held at the picturesque Maidstone Club, the event drew an audience of more than 200 guests, eager to hear Couric’s insights and support the vital healthcare initiative.
An Advocate for Accessible Healthcare
Katie Couric, an East Hampton resident, expressed her enthusiasm for supporting the much needed facility, one she believes will undoubtedly save lives throughout the East End. As an ardent advocate for access to quality, affordable healthcare, Couric’s presence added real significance to the fundraising luncheon.
A Journey Through Life
Chaired by prominent East Hampton residents, the event featured a compelling Q&A session between Couric and fellow journalist Martha McCully. Couric shared remarkable stories from various stages of her life, from breaking barriers as a young female journalist in a male dominated media landscape to overcoming personal tragedy and becoming a dedicated health activist and fundraiser. Her journey, as captured in her New York Times bestselling book Going There, left the audience visibly moved.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The luncheon boasted an impressive guest list, including President Maurie McInnis of Stony Brook University, Sheila Rogers of the East Hampton Healthcare Foundation, philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Anne Keating, Veronica Atkins, and Sarah Wetenhall, among others. Also among the attendees was Mireya D’Angelo, a banker and SoulCycle instructor, accompanied by her musician daughter Sophia D’Angelo and influencer Clara Perlmutter.
Why This Event Resonated So Deeply
Part of what made the afternoon so effective was that Couric’s role went well beyond a celebrity draw. Her willingness to speak candidly about her own experiences with personal loss and healthcare access gave the event’s central cause a genuinely personal dimension, transforming what could have been a routine fundraiser into a conversation grounded in lived experience. That authenticity, guests noted, is what turned attendance into something closer to advocacy.
Supporting East Hampton Emergency Department
The annual benefit aimed to raise funds for the new Stony Brook Medicine East Hampton Emergency Department, currently under construction and set to open its doors in Fall 2024. This year’s luncheon, organized by the Southampton Hospital Foundation, marked the most successful and highly attended event of its kind to date.
Katie Couric’s Impact
Ken Wright, Chair of the Southampton Hospital Association, expressed gratitude to Katie Couric for her invaluable contribution in supporting the project. As a pioneering figure in both media and healthcare advocacy, Couric’s influence continues to make a meaningful, positive impact. Her support as both a neighbor and an advocate carries real value for the community.
Enhancing Healthcare Services
The East Hampton Emergency Department will be part of the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system, delivering essential services to East Hampton communities. Spanning approximately 22,000 square feet, the facility will feature cardiac monitoring in every exam room, a dedicated suite for advanced imaging, fast track treatment rooms, resuscitation rooms, and more. Eco friendly initiatives, including rooftop solar panels, a rain catch garden, and native plantings, will help further reduce the facility’s environmental impact.
In conclusion, Katie Couric’s inspiring presence and the overwhelming support from attendees have brought new hope and enthusiasm to the cause of accessible healthcare in East Hampton. The partnership between Stony Brook Medicine, the Southampton Hospital Foundation, and the East Hampton Healthcare Foundation has paved the way for a groundbreaking medical facility that will undoubtedly make a difference in countless lives across the East End.
To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu
