Mission

Our mission is public community engagement, funding programs in support of any public safety, public event, environmental or public works of Village properties, including open space and historical structures in East Hampton Village. In addition, we support East Hampton’s municipal government, and their special projects for the benefit of the public and the public good. Our organization is a current and valid 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We received our approval in June of 2021.

In early 2021, Mayor Jerry Larsen had a bold vision: to transform Herrick Park into a world-class community gathering space. But realizing this dream would require more than municipal resources—it needed a dedicated philanthropic partner.

Mayor Larsen turned to his longtime friend Bradford E. Billet, OBE, who served as a New York City Commissioner and government official for over 20 years and is CEO of Stat Advisors LLC. His career spanning two decades of public service, international business, strategic government affairs, and nonprofit leadership made him uniquely qualified for the challenge. But Mr. Billet saw something even bigger. While the Mayor's park renovation was the catalyst, Mr. Billet recognized an opportunity to create a foundation with a broader mandate—one that could transform every aspect of community life through enhanced public safety, signature community events, support for local businesses, and heritage preservation.

When Mayor Larsen proposed the Foundation at a Board meeting, the response was unanimous. With full support from the Mayor and Trustees, Mr. Billet transformed vision into reality—raising over $1.7 million in just six months. To date, the Foundation has raised over $4 million, creating lasting impact across East Hampton.

The partnership between Mayor Larsen's vision and Mr. Billet's comprehensive mandate has delivered extraordinary results:

Community Events:  Village Centennial Celebration, Tuesdays at Main free beach concerts (bringing over 100,000 residents and visitors to the beach), and SantaFest featuring the largest Christmas tree and menorah lighting on eastern Long Island. These signature events also provide a platform for other nonprofits, enabling them to raise tens of thousands of dollars for their vital missions.

Public Safety: Wireless security cameras throughout downtown, a security ring of license plate readers providing real-time vehicle alerts, all-terrain vehicles for Police operations, and emergency response improvements personal protective and lifesaving equipment.

Police Fire EMS Council: A dedicated group of community pillars supporting our first responders with critical resources and equipment—exemplifying the best of charitable giving.

Herrick Park Renaissance: Phase 1A completed on time with three new tennis courts, an overhauled softball field, a hardball field, regulation-size multipurpose sports field, ADA-compliant pathways, new connecting sidewalks, all funded by the donors to the foundation and a village funded renovated basketball courts.

This success belongs to an extraordinary team: Mayor Jerry Larsen, Village Administrator Marcos Baladron, our Foundation and Village Boards, dedicated community volunteers and employees, and our generous supporters who have embraced this vision through attendance and donations.

The friendship between Mayor Larsen and Mr. Billet created the perfect foundation for this public-private partnership. Together, we've built an organization that doesn't just fund projects—it builds community, preserves heritage, hosts beloved traditions, enhances safety, lifts up other nonprofits, and invests in our collective future.

Join us in keeping East Hampton extraordinary.

Bradford E. Billet, OBE serves as Chairman and CEO of the East Hampton Village Foundation and CEO of Stat Advisors LLC. With over 20 years as a New York City Commissioner and government official, he brings decades of public service leadership, international affairs and business expertise, strategic government affairs experience, and nonprofit management to this transformative community initiative.