The Hetrick-Martin Institute raised more than $1 million at its annual School's Out Hamptons benefit on Saturday, July 25, 2026, setting a new high-water mark for an event that has been a summer fixture in Water Mill, New York, for more than two decades.

The figure, confirmed by a press release distributed through EIN Presswire on July 27, represents a significant leap for the benefit. A separate HMI press release dated June 18 had previously reported a record-breaking $620,000 from the same event series, describing it then as "now in its 23rd year." The 2026 edition more than doubled that total. EIN Presswire

School's Out 2026 took place at the Water Mill home of The Browns, a private residence in the Hamptons, the Long Island enclave east of New York City that has long served as a summer gathering point for the city's philanthropic and cultural circles. HMI

The event benefits LGBTQIA+ youth, a core mission of the Hetrick-Martin Institute, the New York-based organisation founded in 1979 to provide services, advocacy and education for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual young people. HMI celebrated its 45th anniversary at the 2024 edition of School's Out. HMI

Performers at the 2026 benefit included Crystal Waters, the house-music singer whose 1990s singles "Gypsy Woman" and "100% Pure Love" remain dance-floor standards; Jamie Hannah, the British pop vocalist and songwriter; and Lion Babe, the New York duo of singer Jillian Hervey and producer Lucas Goodman, whose sound draws on soul, funk and electronic music. HMI

The evening also featured a live auction, with inquiries directed to Greg Jones at HMI. HMI

For an event that has run for more than 25 years, the jump past the million-dollar line is a notable moment. The benefit has grown steadily — from the $620,000 figure reported in June to the seven-figure result confirmed days after the July 25 gathering — reflecting both the Hamptons' capacity for high-dollar fundraising and the sustained donor interest in HMI's work with LGBTQIA+ young people.

The Hetrick-Martin Institute has not yet disclosed a breakdown of the funds raised or announced a date for the 2027 edition.