With the holiday season in full swing, it is important to give to those in need. We recently sat down with eight Brown Harris Stevens agents to discuss the philanthropic organizations that they support, and the significance of the work that each charity does.

Andrea Ackerman, located in the firm's Bridgehampton Office, regularly donates to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.

"Started by Danny Thomas, with his daughter Marlo Thomas now at the helm, the organization is world-renowned for its innovation and successful approaches to curing childhood cancers. No family who brings their child to St. Jude’s pays for any part of the treatment. The funding is paid for by donations.

It is stressful enough to deal with the devastation of having a child with cancer. St. Jude’s does not believe in further stressing the family financially. They have an incredible success rate and employ some of the greatest doctors in the world specializing in the research and cure of this horrible disease." -- Andrea Ackerman

Michael Petersohn of the Bridgehampton Office works with Steve's Camp at Horizon Farms based in New York City.

“Steve’s Camp is a program for underprivileged kids growing up in NYC. They get a 2-week holiday to learn how to swim, hike in the woods, play sports, and gain some great guidance. They do fantastic work.” -- Michael Petersohn

Westhampton Beach Agent Gayle Lopata also supports St. Jude’s Children's Hospital’s impact and Research.

“My support has always been for St. Jude. I have been donating to this charity for years. Children are our future, and they are the bravest of patients and have hope. Let’s give them hope. What St Jude offers to the children and their families is priceless.” -- Gayle Lopata

 
Elizabeth Wohl of our East Hampton office supports several Breast Cancer Research and Support Organizations.

“The National Breast Cancer Coalition is primarily involved in supporting and promoting meaningful research and advocating for legislation that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of women and men who are affected by breast cancer.

They are currently supporting The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. I have volunteered for them as well as donated to them for over 20 years. I was on their board of directors for 6 years.” -- Elizabeth Wohl

In addition, she also supports SHARE Cancer Support. SHARE offers support and education programs for women living with breast and ovarian cancer. They have a global reach with their strong internet presence and virtual support and education programs. I have been involved with them as a donor and volunteer for over 18 years.

She also supports the Young Survival Coalition. A national organization that focuses on the unique concerns of women under the age of 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Through their advocacy and partnerships with the medical community, they have raised awareness of this Underserved community of women. They offer a support system for young women with breast cancer. I have been involved with them since 2000 when my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer.” -- Elizabeth Wohl

Cynthia Barrett of our Bridgehampton Office is the Chair of the 2023 Shelter Island Historical Society.

“The house tour is the most amazing day. I relish in making hundreds of people very happy while raising funds to support the Society’s mission to preserve, educate, and celebrate the rich history of Shelter Island, NY, and to promote an understanding and appreciation of the Island's heritage, ensuring that its historical, cultural, and architectural treasures are safeguarded for future generations."

It struck me how dedicated this society is to maintaining and operating several historic sites including the Shelter Island Historical Museum, vast archives, and Havens House Shops where places not only serve as museums but also as educational resources and community gathering spaces. -- Cynthia Barrett

 
Other events such as plays, camps, magic buses, historic island tours, museum artifacts, art exhibits, a weekly farmer’s market, and the famous Annual House Tour help to preserve the rich history and wonderful places to live or visit in Bridgehampton.

East Hampton based Agents Jeff Carter and Timothy O’Connor support ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation), a great animal rescue organization in the Hamptons.

“We think they run a wonderful operation that is safe and clean for unfortunate dogs and cats who need a place to stay between their previous owners and their new 'furever homes'. ARF is also involved in rescuing dogs from kill shelters, after natural disasters, and from puppy mills.

Then, they bring them to their new Wainscott facility to care for them and find them their forever home(s). Jeff and I donate funds annually, but we also volunteer at the annual Stroll to the Sea event in October and make donations of lightly used towels for them to use at the shelter throughout the year. A great organization!” -- Jeff Carter and Timothy O'Connor

Ani Antreasyan of the Sag Harbor Office works closely with The Retreat. The Retreat provides vital aid in escaping domestic violence- offering shelter, advocacy, education, counseling, and a vast array of assistance. Ani’s work was recently featured in the East Hampton Star for her generous donation to The Retreat Boutique in Bridgehampton, a jewel box of a thrift store where all proceeds go towards helping those who need the impactful resources The Retreat provides.