INSIDE THE FRENCH HERITAGE SOCIETY’S 2026 SUMMER SOIRÉE IN THE HAMPTONS
The French Heritage Society (FHS) welcomed nearly 240 guests to Bridgehampton for its fourth annual Summer Soirée, bringing together philanthropists, preservation advocates, and supporters of French culture for an evening inspired by the elegance of Provence. Hosted at the home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel, the event marked the organization’s most successful Summer Soirée to date, raising significant funds to support restoration grants, student internships, and educational initiatives.
This year’s soirée was chaired by CeCe Black, Maria Fishel, Rosann Gutman, and Ann Van Ness, with proceeds benefiting French Heritage Society’s ongoing preservation efforts on both sides of the Atlantic. A portion of the evening’s fundraising will also support the organization’s New York Chapter, including preservation grants for Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, Villa Albertine, and St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City.
The guest list reflected the event’s longstanding connection to New York’s philanthropic, cultural, and social communities. Attendees included Candace Bushnell, Jean Shafiroff, Jennifer Farrell, Kenneth Hausman, Brenda Howard, Patricia Cossutta Arostegui, Puly Rincon, Nelly Azar Lumia, Elizabeth Belfer, Lee Black, Sharon Bush, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, Veronique Gabai, Sylvia Hemingway, Kathy Prounis, Julie Wald, Stephanie Smart, Martin Shafiroff, Jacques Acoca, Talia Carner, Becky Bayless, Frédéric de Joybert, and many other supporters of the organization.
Guests were welcomed by Maria and Kenneth Fishel alongside CeCe Black, Rosann Gutman, Ann Van Ness, and French Heritage Society Executive Director Jennifer Herlein before gathering for an evening celebrating the organization’s mission to preserve French architectural and cultural heritage while strengthening historic ties between France and the United States.
The Provençal-inspired setting featured support from Champagne EPC, Veronique Gabai, Maison Gabrielle, Société de la Rassi, and JOG Editions, with table décor by Christofle, Baccarat, and SFERRA. Revel Rouge founder Hank Stampfl transformed the estate with a distinctly southern French atmosphere, while French-American vocalist Quentin Bruno—known for his appearance on “The Voice: La plus belle voix”—performed alongside Danny Lipsitz & The Brass Tacks, keeping guests on the dance floor throughout the evening.
Founded in 1982, the French Heritage Society has become one of the leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to protecting French architectural and cultural heritage. Over the past four decades, the organization has awarded more than $16.5 million through over 710 restoration and cultural grants across France and the United States, while also supporting nearly 600 university students through transatlantic internship programs.
