R. Couri Hay is Social Life’s Travel Editor and Society Columnist. He began his career at Andy Warhol’s Interview and has written for Town & Country and People. Hay also appears on CNN, PBS, Fox, and VH1 commenting on Hollywood. He lives in New York City and Southampton and is the CEO of his own PR firm. 

Jay McIninery & Anne Hearst , Sandra & Eric Ripert , Vera Wang , Martha Stewart , Peter Marino , Isabelle Bscher, Nicky Rothschild & Brooke Shields 

The Southampton Arts Center Commemorates 250 Years of the American Flag 

The Southampton Arts Center (SAC) is kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a historic exhibition, Independency: The American Flag at 250 Years. Curated by historian John Monsky, the exhibition explores the American flag’s evolution over two and a half centuries, using rare and significant flags to tell the nation’s story. From a rare kerchief commissioned by Martha Washington in 1775 to flags flown during the Apollo moon landings, each piece offers a unique perspective on the nation’s past. The show is divided into four galleries: Introduction, featuring early American flags, Campaigns, Parades, and Protests, highlighting 19th-century political flags, Vietnam and the Moon, showcasing flags from the turbulent 1960s, and Sacrifice, honoring those who served in battle from the War of 1812 to Afghanistan. Each gallery pairs flags with contemporary photographs, drawings, and artifacts, immersing visitors in the eras these flags represent. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Independency invites visitors to reflect on the flag’s role in shaping national identity. Through triumphs and tragedies, innovation and sacrifice, the flag remains a symbol of our country’s ongoing story. The SAC’s co-founder is Simon Levinson, with Christina Strassfield as the Executive Director. The exhibition runs from May 17th to July 19th. https://southamptonartscenter.org 

Jay McInerney Celebrates 

Michael J. Fox, Phoebe Cates, Kiefer Sutherland, and Dianne Wiest starred in the movie version of author Jay McInerney’s best-selling book Bright Lights, Big City which defined the decadent nightlife of the 80s in NYC. The debonair writer known for his good taste in clothes and wine celebrated his 70th birthday at a dinner party at Le Bernardin given by his wife, the media heiress, Anne Hearst. During a break in the 

five-course tasting menu by Michelin-starred chef Eric Ripert, the writer drew laughs when he confessed, “Last year I had three different hospital stays; so I’m really glad to have made it to 70 in 2025,” adding, “While in the hospital my friend Eric Ripert sent me two meals that made me want to live again so here I am.” Among those drinking the vintage wines were friends from all over the country including Gregory Peck’s son Tony Peck and his wife Paula, baroness Milly de Cabrol, Dana Hammond and her husband Dr. Patrick Stubgen, designer Vera Wang and her husband Arthur P. Becker, Binky Urban, Robert Zimmerman, Candace Bushnell, Chef Ripert’s wife Sandra Ripert, Risk and Returns author Wilbur Ross and his wife Hilary Geary, Alison Mazzola who orchestrated the party and other members of the Demi-monde. 

Race of Hope 

Audrey Gruss’s Hope For Depression Research Foundation’s Race of Hope in Palm Beach broke all records attracting over 1,200 people, including socialites Jamee and Peter Gregory, Whitney and Christine Schott, and The Colony Hotel’s Sarah Wetenhall. The event, which raised over one million dollars, celebrated its seventh anniversary and raised funds for life-saving mental health research into new treatments for clinical depression. Over the years, the organization has honored Dakota Johnson, Anderson Cooper, Brooke Shields, and Michael Phelps. This year’s sponsors included James Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui of Findlay Galleries and Livingston Builders, Teresa and Jim Remez. HDRF’s Southampton 5K Race/Walk takes place on August 3rd. To sign up, go to https://hopefordepression.org. 

East Side House Settlement 

Third-generation gallerist Isabelle Bscher’s Galerie Gmurzynska made a bold Winter Show debut at the Park Avenue Armory with a vibrant display of 20th-century masterpieces and contemporary standouts. Front and center was Wesselmann’s Cigarette #1 —a jaw-dropping, two-paneled sculpture crafted from oil, wax crayon, and printed paper. Commanding attention with its bold composition, the piece embodies Wesselmann’s signature ‘flirty narrative’ in tandem with the evolution of his infamous smoker’s collection. Gmurzynska showcased a work by Georges Braque, Heinrich Campendonk, Wassily Kandinsky, Jacques Lipchitz, and Joan Miró. In the mix at the opening night party that benefitted the East Side House Settlement were Michael Bloomberg with his decorator Jamie Drake, Martha Stewart, Ryan Murphy, Nicky Rothschild, Peter Marino, Kathy Rayner, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Coco Kopelman and Jerry Lauren. https://gmurzynska.com 

Honor in Armor: Inside the Vatican Swiss Guard 

This year’s Oscar-nominated film Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci, tells the intriguing story of what happens when a Pope dies and a new one is elected. The movie also calls attention to the role of the colorfully uniformed Vatican Swiss Guard, which has been protecting the Pope and Vatican City since 1506. The Guards even travel with Pope Francis, including during his recent hospital stay. The faithful are praying for the Pope’s full recovery but in the event of a papal conclave, 

which occurs during the time between a Pope’s death or resignation and the election of his successor, the Papal Guards are responsible for protecting the conclave. A new documentary “Honor in Armor: Inside the Vatican Swiss Guard” offers an in depth look into the Guards and their history including the time when Adolf Hitler and the Nazis were plotting to kidnap the Pope. The film’s executive producers Mario Paredes and Dr. Ramon Tallaj, the founder of SOMOS Community Care, have also worked with the Vatican for over a decade on creating health equity for the underserved in NYC. https://somoscommunitycare.org 

Peter Thomas Roth’s Mother Turns 102 

Skincare mogul Peter Thomas Roth hired a private jet to take his mother, Carole Roth, to Las Vegas to celebrate her 102nd birthday with 17 family members and Julia Lemigova, a Real Housewives of Miami star. The festivities started off at Chippendales, where Carole received two lap dances that were so racy they got banned from TikTok. The lucky birthday girl was spotted gambling at the Wynn until 2 am and won $1,500. The group, including her five great-grandchildren, also took in the Michael Jackson show. Carole was recognized everywhere she went on the strip from her work as a model on QVC, where she uses her son’s Retinol Fusion PM on her perfect legs. As a present, Roth gave his mother her very first Birken bag, making her longtime dream come true. https://peterthomasroth.com 

Jean Shafiroff & The Red Cross 

Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff asked guests at her birthday party to donate to the American Red Cross. The birthday girl wore four different gowns including ones by Carolina Herrera, Victor dE Souza, and Malan Breton. Jean, famous for never revealing her age, quipped, “It’s a security question.” Guests, sipping on the bubbly rose Aphrodise, included, Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell, Jon Ledecky, the owner of the New York Islanders, the Consul General of Italy to the United Nations Fabrizio di Michele, NYT writer Ruth LaFerla, Lucia Hwong Gordon, hair guru Chaz Dean, dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel, AD 100 designer TC Chou, divorce attorneys Martha Cohen Stine and Harriet Newman Cohen, comedian D’yan Forest, gallerist Isabelle Bscher, top plastic surgeon Dr. Bianca Molina and her aide de camp Erica Kulka, lawyers Arthur Aidala and Marianne Bertuna, Jason T. Busch, Maryanne Grisz, Cyril Verdavainne, and fashion designers Julia Haart, Victor dE Souza, CD Greene, Nabys Vielman, Ron Dyce, and Fern Clausius. https://redcross.org

Check out the complete Social Life Magazine issue here.  Read more latest events and gossip at Couri’s Columns. 

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Mental health advocacy takes center stage this spring, with Brooke Shields and her 19-year-old daughter Grier Henchy joining forces once again for a meaningful cause. Last year, they stood alongside Audrey Gruss, founder of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, at the organization’s Annual Teen Race of Hope to Defeat Depression. Now, they’ve been invited back for this year’s event on May 18th, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month. So, what makes this gathering so impactful? Let’s explore the event’s purpose, its community spirit, and the powerful voices behind it.

A Call to Action for Mental Health

The 2025 Teen Race of Hope will bring nearly 500 young adults and supporters of all ages to Pier 76 at Hudson River Park at 10 a.m. for a 5k walk/race, fostering unity in the fight against depression. Gruss emphasizes the urgency, stating, “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for kids ages 15 to 19; and almost 4,000 children and teens attempt suicide every day.” Additionally, this event honors the resilience of youth while raising funds to support research and awareness.

Moreover, the race welcomes strollers and dogs, creating an inclusive atmosphere where families can participate together. SoulCycle master instructor Stacey Griffith will serve as the emcee and deejay, adding energy to the occasion. Therefore, the event promises to be both a celebration and a call to action, blending fitness with a critical cause.

Personal Stories Fueling the Movement

Brooke Shields, a longtime depression advocate, brings a deeply personal perspective to the race. She reflects, “I was forced to suffer silently, which is what a majority of people do. That’s where the real human tragedy comes from.” Her partnership with Grier Henchy highlights a generational commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Meanwhile, Gruss’s leadership through the Hope for Depression Research Foundation has raised over $30 million since 2006, underscoring the event’s lasting impact.

For instance, Shields’ openness about her struggles resonates with attendees, encouraging others to seek support. However, the scale of the issue—4,000 daily suicide attempts among teens—remains a sobering reminder of the work ahead. Nevertheless, the presence of Shields, Henchy, and Gruss inspires hope for change.

How to Get Involved

Participation is open to all, with donations set at $17.50 for students and $27.50 for adults. To sign up, visit hopefordepression.org, where you can register and learn more about the foundation’s mission. Furthermore, the event’s accessibility—welcoming strollers and pets—ensures that families and individuals alike can join the movement.

Still, the modest donation fees reflect a commitment to inclusivity, making it easier for younger supporters to contribute. For example, students can participate at a reduced rate, fostering engagement among the very demographic the race aims to help. Ultimately, every step taken on May 18th will support a vital cause.

A Step Toward Awareness and Healing

The Teen Race of Hope 2025 is more than a race—it’s a community rallying for mental health. With Shields, Henchy, and Gruss leading by example, the event promises to raise both funds and awareness. For instance, the gathering at Pier 76 will amplify voices often silenced by depression. Meanwhile, as Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, this initiative stands out as a beacon of hope.

However, the fight against depression requires ongoing effort beyond a single day. Therefore, the race serves as a starting point, encouraging year-round dialogue and support. So, whether you join in person or support from afar, your involvement can make a difference in the lives of countless teens.

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Audrey & Martin Gruss Foundation          

A year later Audrey established the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), a non-profit organization with a mission to fund pioneering international scientific research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of depression and its related mood and other emotional disorders, with the goal of finding a cure. Audrey has served as the Chairman of HDRF since its inception. She’s also the President of the Audrey and Martin Gruss Foundation, which she and her husband Martin established thirty years ago to support the cultural arts. The couple also funded the Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart and Stroke Center at Southampton Hospital.

Depression Task Force

What’s unique about HDRF’s research program is that they not only fund research, but they also created their own research group by hand-selecting several doctors who collectively work with the non-profit on strategy, development, and implementation. “We had to create our own research team because what we envisioned did not exist.  Our Depression Task Force works collaboratively – they put all their data into the Hope Data Center at the University of Michigan and that data is shared among the doctors at HDRF – the ones that do the research. That’s really a very hard thing to do,” Audrey says. “It’s as though we are created our own mini neuroscience center,” she adds. Since its start, HDRF has also awarded 104 research grants at 48 research institutions in 12 countries and 18 U.S. cities. hopefordepression.org

Developing an Alternative to Prozac

And the research is paying off. Audrey continues to explain that “the HDRF doctors are now creating a version of a new category of anti-depressant that is completely new, since Prozac was introduced 35 years ago.” This was after only eight years of the HDRF doctors being brought together in this mission.  “This is remarkable in the world of neuroscience. This usually takes decades,” adds Audrey.  She goes on to say that HDRF did not create something brand new. They found an existing drug that has not been approved in the U.S. which they made a patented version of and it’s in clinical trials at Columbia University and Mount Sinai.

It’s a fact that better medication to help with depression is desperately needed.  Studies today estimate that up to 35-50 percent of people suffering from depression do not positively respond to existing antidepressant medications called SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

5K Race of Hope

In addition to the Week of Hope, in which business round the Hamptons show their support for the fight against depression, Audrey Gruss and her organization also host a 5k Race of Hope. This year will mark their sixth annual Race of Hope to Defeat Depression in Southampton Village. Candace Bushnell, author, journalist, and the creator of the bestselling Sex and the City anthology, will attend as this year’s celebrity Grand Marshall to cheer on the race’s participants and lead them on a beautiful 5K (3.1 mile) loop around Lake Agawam in Southampton Village. The Race is open to all ages and speeds and walkers are also welcome. The Race of Hope has raised over $1 million for research since its inception in 2016. raceofhopeseries.com

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