Photo credits: PMC / Sean Zanni

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 17^th – July 19^th. Weekend events included a screening of Crossroadsfollowed 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

DANIEL QUINTANILLA