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The annual fundraiser honored community
leadership while supporting the museum’s
exhibitions, programs and continued
growth
The Southampton African American Museum
(SAAM), brought culture, community and
philanthropy together for its annual
Bubbles & Bloom Brunch at the
Southampton Inn.
The museum’s signature summer fundraiser
welcomed supporters, artists,
philanthropists and cultural leaders for
an elegant afternoon celebrating African
American history, art and creativity.
The floral-inspired gathering featured
brunch and champagne, live
entertainment, an interactive Bloom Bar,
an awards ceremony, a curated auction
and VIP gift bags.
Guests were invited to embrace the
event’s theme by wearing floral-inspired
attire or incorporating flowers into
their summer looks. Inside the
Southampton Inn, the Bloom Bar gave
attendees an opportunity to create
personalized floral arrangements as
keepsakes from the afternoon.
Brenda Simmons, co-founder, president
and CEO of the Southampton African
American Museum, welcomed guests and
spoke about the importance of sustaining
the museum as a permanent cultural
institution on the East End. Funds
raised through the brunch will support
SAAM’s exhibitions, educational
initiatives, public programming and work
to preserve and share the region’s
African American heritage.
“This gathering reflects the spirit of
the Southampton African American Museum:
history, creativity, community and a
shared commitment to ensuring that these
stories remain visible for generations
to come,” Simmons said. “The support
received through Bubbles & Bloom helps
SAAM continue presenting meaningful
programs while welcoming new audiences
into the museum.”
Event chair Jean Shafiroff joined Brenda
Simmons in welcoming attendees and
recognizing the supporters whose
leadership has helped advance the
museum’s mission.
A centerpiece of the afternoon was the
presentation of SAAM’s annual awards
honoring individuals whose achievements
and service have strengthened the arts,
culture and wider community.
The 2026 honorees included Dede Gotthelf,
recipient of the Visionary Supporter of
the Arts Award; Claude and Yvette Weir,
recipient of the Champion of the Arts
Award; and Sharon Joseph, recipient of
the Community Empowerment Award.
The curated auction offered artwork,
luxury items and distinctive
experiences, giving guests another
opportunity to contribute to the
museum’s continued development.
Entertainment was provided by Dwayne
Kerr, adding to an afternoon that
balanced celebration with a focus on
cultural preservation and community
investment.
The fundraiser concluded a weekend of
programming presented as part of Art &
Soul: Hamptons, a celebration of Black
art, history and creativity held from
July 17th - July 19th. Weekend events
included a screening of Crossroads
followed within a discussion led by
Brenda Simmons with Director Horane
Henry, Producer Victorious De Costa and
Actress Okema T. Moore; a guided art
crawl; and the opening of Damien Davis’
exhibition, Hedges and Edges:
Barbershops, Community Gardens, and the
Architectures Care. The museum also
hosted an evening of live music,
Caribbean cuisine, artist conversation
and dancing.
Notable guests included: Brenda Simmons
(SAAM Founder & CEO), Jean Shafiroff
(Event Chair), Dede Gotthelf, Claude &
Yvette Weir, Sharon Joseph, Legislator
Anne Welker, Village Trustee Rob Coburn
and Village Trustee Willa Bernstein.
2026 Event Partners and Sponsors
included ART & SOUL: Hamptons,
Southampton Inn, Bespoke Flowers, New
England Sweetwater, White Rain, Tea
Fortē, Beautiful Amore Skincare, Pause
by BBraxton, Cambridge Chemists and
British M.
About The Southampton African American
Museum (SAAM):
The Southampton African American Museum
(SAAM) began in 2005 under the name The
East End African American Museum and
Center for Excellence. Until now, it has
functioned as a virtual museum—hosting
events and exhibits in public spaces
throughout Southampton Village—most
notably the Annual Southampton African
American Film Festival.
SAAM moved to a new location at 245
North Sea Road in Southampton, NY.
Affectionally called “The Barbershop,"
the building was a local gathering place
for area African Americans from the
1940s until its closing. In 2010, the
Village Historic Preservation Board
designated it as the first African
American historic landmark in the
Village of Southampton, and the process
was started to transform it into a
permanent space.
For more information please visit:
www.saamuseum.org
IG: @saam_museum | FB: SAAM
About Jean Shafiroff:
Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist,
humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the
author of the book "Successful
Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What
You Give". Jean works extensively as a
volunteer fundraiser and leader in the
philanthropic world. She serves on the
boards of 8 charitable organizations and
each year chairs upwards of eight to ten
different charity galas. She also
hosts and underwrites many large parties
in her homes for different
non-profits. Among the many causes she
champions are those involved in women’s
rights, rights of underserved
populations, health care, and animal
welfare. In addition to hosting her own
TV show, entitled Successful
Philanthropy, Jean Shafiroff often
appears on TV shows, podcasts and then
in the press about her fashion and
philanthropy. She is an international
leader who strives to motivate people of
all ages and backgrounds to get involved
in the philanthropic process.
Jean Shafiroff serves on the boards of
the French Heritage Society,
Southampton Hospital Foundation, NYC
Mission Society, Couture Council of the
Museum at FIT, New York Women's
Foundation, Casita Maria, Global Strays,
and Southampton Animal Shelter
Foundation Honorary Board. In addition,
she is a member of the Advisory Board of
the Historical Society of Palm Beach
County. A Catholic, Jean served on the
board of the Jewish Board for 28 years
and now is one of their honorary
trustees. Jean Shafiroff has been
honored numerous times by a variety of
charitable organizations for her work
and is regarded Jean as being among the
leading ladies of philanthropy.
For more information, please visit
www.jeanshafiroff.com
IG: @JeanShafiroff @JeanShafiroffAtWork
| FB: jean.shafiroff |
X/T: @JeanShafiroff
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