ACE raises support for job pathways at Southampton benefit

ACE Programs for the Homeless brought supporters, Hamptons residents and community leaders together in Southampton on July 30, 2026 for its annual Sunflower Benefit, mixing pickleball, dinner and live music to support job training and long-term stability for New Yorkers rebuilding their lives. The event also honored philanthropist Henry Buhl’s decades of support for ACE’s mission.

Why it matters: - The ACE Sunflower Benefit raised awareness and support for ACE Programs for the Homeless, which helps New Yorkers move from homelessness, incarceration and addiction toward employment and economic independence. - The event spotlighted a model that pairs job training with ongoing support services, aiming to create longer-term change rather than one-time assistance. - The benefit also recognized philanthropist Henry Buhl for decades of commitment to ACE’s work.

What happened: - ACE hosted its annual Hamptons gathering on Saturday, July 30, 2026, at Whitefield on Hill Street in Southampton. - Community leaders, longtime supporters and Hamptons residents attended the evening event. - The program opened with a pickleball tournament before guests moved to cocktails, dinner and live music. - Nine teams competed in the tournament. - Sandra Sanches and Dane Neller won the tournament. - Alena Alekhin and Richard Swanson finished in second place.

The details: - The event centered on ACE’s mission of creating pathways to long-term economic independence through meaningful employment, job training and support services. - ACE works with New Yorkers who have histories of homelessness, incarceration and addiction. - The organization provides job training, work experience and a lifetime support network for participants. - Participants named in the tournament included Nicole Perrotta, Ellie Manko, Richard Swanson, Alena Alekhin, Gregory Redmond, Alex Donner, Anne Prosser, Sam Pai, Dane Neller, Charlotte Ricks, Monique Grignard, Amanda Holmen, Cindy Farkas, Noelle Nikpour, Maribel Lieberman, Sandra Sanches, Debbie Farrington and Gina Fini. - ACE directed attendees to more information. - ACE social accounts listed in the release include Instagram @aceprogramsny, Facebook aceprogramsny and X/Twitter @aceprogramsny.

Between the lines: - The mix of sport and philanthropy suggests ACE is using a social, community-driven format to broaden engagement around a serious social-services mission. - Holding the benefit in Southampton gives ACE access to a donor-rich summer audience while keeping the message focused on employment pathways for vulnerable New Yorkers.

What's next: - ACE is positioned to continue building support through its annual Hamptons event and broader outreach tied to employment and reentry services. - The organization’s next impact will depend on sustained donor interest and continued demand for training and support for people rebuilding their lives.