GREENPORT, NY, August 31, 2026 - The Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation welcomed hospital supporters to its annual Summer Soirée on Friday, August 14, at Peconic Bay Yacht Club. The evening celebrated the community’s longstanding commitment to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) and honored ELIH Foundation Board Member Samy Sabil, of The North Fork Shack, for his leadership, generosity and dedication to the hospital and the North Fork.
The Summer Soirée has become the most successful fundraising event in the Foundation’s history. During the past six years, it has raised more than $1.2 million, generating more than $750,000 in net proceeds to support programs, technology and patient care at SBELIH.
“The success of the Summer Soirée reflects the extraordinary generosity of this community,” said Paul J. Connor III, Chief Administrative Officer of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. “Our guests, sponsors, donors and volunteers understand how important it is to have exceptional healthcare close to home. Their continued support allows us to invest in the services and resources our patients and families need.”
Mr. Connor thanked Peconic Bay Yacht Club for hosting the Summer Soirée for the sixth consecutive year. He also recognized John Ingrilli, Eugene Burger and Jim Martin for their friendship, generosity and commitment to the hospital.
“This evening would not be possible without the dedication of our Summer Soirée Gala Committee, Foundation Office, volunteers, sponsors, donors and everyone who works behind the scenes,” Mr. Connor said. “It truly takes a team, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the evening so meaningful.”
During the program, Mr. Sabil was recognized for exemplifying the spirit of philanthropy and service that has helped strengthen both the hospital and the community it serves. An emotional Sabil expressed his gratitude for the honor and the support of those gathered for the celebration.
William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine, spoke about the distinctive relationship between SBELIH and the North Fork community, noting that local philanthropy has supported continued progress at the hospital.
“The North Fork does more than support its hospital, it champions it,” Dr. Wertheim said. “The generosity, volunteerism and pride that defines this community is truly extraordinary. That support has helped us expand access to specialized care through our Primary Stroke Center, strengthen behavioral health services and continue investing in technology and clinical programs that bring high-quality care closer to home.”
In 2026, SBELIH was officially recognized as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The hospital also earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Rural Stroke Bronze Achievement Award, recognizing its commitment to providing stroke care based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines.
Although SBELIH is part of Stony Brook Medicine, funds raised by the ELIH Foundation remain local and support the hospital’s specific needs and priorities. Contributions help fund clinical programs, advanced technology, facility improvements and other initiatives that directly benefit patients on the North Fork and Shelter Island.
“Every person who attends an event, volunteers, makes a gift or serves as an ambassador for the hospital plays a role in its continued success,” Dr. Wertheim said. “On behalf of Stony Brook Medicine, thank you for believing in Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and investing in its future.”
The ELIH Foundation extends its appreciation to the Summer Soirée’s guests, Gala Committee members, volunteers, hospital leadership and longtime supporters. Their partnership helps ensure that high-quality healthcare remains available close to home for generations to come.
Photo Caption: Paul J. Connor III, Chief Administrative Officer, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital; Linda Sweeney, Vice President Foundation/External Affairs, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital; Samy Sabil, ELIH Foundation Board Member, Owner The North Fork Shack; William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President, Stony Brook Medicine.
Photo Credit: Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital
About Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital:
As part of Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) combines the best in academic and community medicine, improving access to advanced medical care for residents of the North Fork and Shelter Island. With 70 beds, SBELIH is Suffolk County’s first hospital, serving the region since 1905. SBELIH provides care to 25,000 year-round residents, expanding to more than 60,000 in the summer, and offers comprehensive healthcare services including behavioral health, medical-surgical care, orthopedics and general surgery, wound care, interventional spine and sports medicine, gastroenterology, advanced ambulatory care, diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, and physical therapy. SBELIH has achieved Primary Stroke Center designation from The Joint Commission, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality, timely stroke care close to home. The hospital also serves as a clinical campus and training site for Stony Brook Medicine, with its first SBELIH Psychiatry resident graduating in 2022. To learn more, visit elih.stonybrookmedicine.edu.
About the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation:
The Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation (ELIHF), established in 2006, is the fundraising and communications arm of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH). All of the Foundation's philanthropic efforts are independent of Stony Brook Medicine (SBM), and all funds raised by the Foundation remain local to benefit SBELIH in Greenport. SBELIH is one campus of the SBM system. All hospitals fundraise to enhance services, attract physicians and healthcare professionals, and to build infrastructure for current and future healthcare needs. The Foundation promotes participation in developing and maintaining a positive relationship between our community, healthcare providers and the hospital. To learn more visit: elihfoundation.org.