East Hampton’s beloved Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk returned for its 32nd year with record-breaking attendance, radiant weather, and a joyful parade of paws and purpose.

PR Strategist Norah Lawlor brings nationwide attention to this world class idea!

The annual event, hosted by the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF Hamptons), once again transformed the historic Mulford Farm into a scene of community spirit, laughter, and devotion to animal welfare.

In the soft morning light, hundreds of dogs in bandanas and bright collars gathered alongside their owners, ready to embark on the two-mile walk to Main Beach. From tiny terriers to golden retrievers, each dog seemed to embody the event’s message: compassion in motion. The day began with a flourish of energy, as designer and entertainer Isaac Mizrahi welcomed guests with his signature charm, setting a jubilant tone before the walkers took to the road.

Mulford Farm, with its rolling lawns and colonial charm, served as the heart of the celebration. Volunteers and supporters mingled among vendor tents offering everything from handcrafted leashes to gourmet treats. Local businesses and animal lovers united under one mission—to raise vital funds for ARF’s ongoing rescue and adoption programs. The atmosphere felt part carnival, part community gathering, entirely alive with the shared understanding that every step taken was a step toward a better life for countless homeless animals.

This year’s Dog Walk was ARF’s most successful yet. Executive Director Kim Nichols expressed her gratitude to the community for turning out in such extraordinary numbers. It was a morning that captured the enduring connection between people and their pets, reminding everyone that the Hamptons’ most stylish season is not only about art and fashion, but also about generosity and heart.

A Morning of Stars, Smiles, and Stories

Among the attendees were some of the East End’s most familiar faces. Isaac Mizrahi brought both flair and affection to his role as host, mingling effortlessly with participants. Notable supporters included environmental philanthropist Andy Sabin, jewelry designer Candy Udell, confectionery entrepreneur Dylan Lauren, and celebrated news anchor Chuck Scarborough with his wife Ellen. Broadway favorite David Hyde Pierce joined the gathering, adding a touch of theater-world grace to the festivities.

Photographers Lisa Tamburini and Mark Kopko captured each moment—the delighted faces of participants, the wagging tails of dogs discovering new friends, and the serene beauty of the walk’s seaside destination. From Mulford Farm’s green pastures to Main Beach’s glittering horizon, the journey became a moving tableau of devotion and joy.

At the finish line, walkers were greeted with cheers and applause as they stepped onto the sand. Dogs dashed into the surf, some leaping after tennis balls, others simply basking in the morning sun. The breeze carried the scent of the ocean and the unmistakable feeling of accomplishment. Every dollar raised and every step walked, as Kim Nichols reminded the crowd, helps give a homeless animal a second chance.

Tradition with Heart

The Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk has become a cherished Hamptons tradition since its founding in 1993. Over the decades, it has evolved from a small neighborhood event into one of the most anticipated philanthropic gatherings on Long Island. Beyond its festive charm, the event sustains ARF Hamptons’ mission of care, compassion, and community.

Founded in 1974, ARF has provided sanctuary to thousands of cats and dogs, rescuing animals from overcrowded shelters and unsafe conditions. Its adoption programs, training initiatives, and outreach services have built a lifeline of hope for both pets and the people who love them. The organization’s pet food pantry and free spay-neuter clinics for feral cats have made a lasting impact on animal welfare across the region.

Each year, the Stroll to the Sea becomes a living symbol of that work. It is a day when donors, adopters, volunteers, and staff come together not just to celebrate success, but to reaffirm a shared promise: that no animal should be forgotten.

Community in Motion

This year’s debut of a new fundraising competition added extra excitement to the morning. Teams competed to raise the most donations, earning access to limited-edition ARF merchandise created exclusively for the event. Many walkers proudly wore their prizes—a visible badge of support that shimmered as they strolled down Main Street toward the water.

At every turn, there was something to smile about. Skyler Moran, Lindsay Berman, and Patrick Christiano served as event judges, applauding creative costumes and enthusiastic walkers. Children held signs painted with paw prints, while local vendors offered organic treats for pets and humans alike. The sense of unity transcended generations, with longtime Hamptons families walking beside first-time participants who came simply to lend their hearts to a good cause.

As the crowd reached the beach, the event’s name came to life. The sea stretched wide and welcoming, a natural mirror of the community’s compassion. Dogs played freely, their joy contagious, while supporters shared stories of adoption and rescue. For many, the day was a personal celebration—of pets saved, bonds formed, and the continuing impact of ARF’s work.

When the last walkers made their way back to Mulford Farm, the morning’s glow lingered. There was laughter in the air, but also a quiet pride. The funds raised would soon translate into food, care, and love for animals still waiting for homes. It was the kind of success that cannot be measured in numbers alone, but in the wag of a tail and the warmth of belonging.

The Stroll to the Sea once again reminded the Hamptons that compassion has style, and that every season is brighter when shared with a loyal companion by one’s side.

Isaac Mizrahi, Kim Nichols, Andy Sabin, Candy Udell, Dylan Lauren, Chuck Scarborough, Ellen Scarborough, David Hyde Pierce, Barbara Washkowitz, Zach Siegel, Andrew Yuder, Majo Prazenec, Lisa McCarthy, Amy Sullivan, Michele Backman, Dale Ellen Leff, Paulo Baia, Skyler Moran, Lindsay Berman, Patrick Christiano, Norah Lawlor, Lawlor Media Group, Lisa Tamburini, Mark Kopko Photography, ARF Hamptons, Mulford Farm, Main Beach, East Hampton, Animal Rescue Fund, Dog Walk, Hamptons Events, Community Fundraising, Long Island Nonprofits, Animal Welfare, Celebrity Philanthropy, Lifestyle Events, Hamptons Society, Summer Season, Charity Walks, Dogs of the Hamptons, Coastal Living, New York Philanthropy, East End Traditions, Luxury Lifestyle, Rescue Pets, Adoption Awareness, Pet Lovers