[ad_1]
By Grace Cassidy
For first-graders and college kids alike, nothing heralds the arrival of summer like the annual proclamation “school’s out”!
For Benjamin Dixon, the phrase evokes a joyous sense of anticipation that has little to do with celebrating the end of pencils, books and teachers’ dirty looks.

Since 2017, the Manhattan-based agent for Douglas Elliman has co-chaired the School’s Out fundraising event on behalf of the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQIA+ Youth, a pioneering nonprofit organization that provide life-saving resources and services to queer and transgender youth between the ages of 13 and 23.
“School’s Out is so much fun,” said Dixon. “I look forward to this event every year.”
School’s Out 2023 will be held July 15 at the Hamptons home of Jose Castro and Nathan Orsman in Water Mill, N.Y. The event will include a cocktail party followed by a Best of the Hamptons sit-down dinner for about 160 people. (While the dinner is sold out, tickets for the cocktail reception are still available.)
“It’s so exciting to see folks who come back every year, as well as new faces,” said Dixon, recalling that the first event he co-chaired—a cocktail reception for 500 guests—raised some $230,000. “This year, Nathan Orsman and Jose Castro are graciously hosting us at their home, which is a new venue for School’s Out and will connect us with a whole new group of people. I believe we will raise $500,000—and that’s well above what this event has ever raised.”
Originally from Northern California’s Bay Area, Dixon has lived in New York City for nearly two decades and discovered a passion for real estate after purchasing his first property when he was just 21. He has since purchased more than 25 homes and properties, many of which he has renovated, and currently represents a variety of listings throughout NYC and the Hamptons as co-founder and principal of the Mackay Dixon Team, alongside Matthew Mackay.
After getting involved with the Hetrick-Martin Institute as a donor more than a decade ago, Dixon joined the HMI board in 2017. The organization provides queer and trans youth with hot meals, hot showers, clean clothing, mental health services, help with finding jobs, resume writing and much more. The School’s Out events began more than 20 years ago as a critical source of funds for maintaining HMI’s operations during the summer months—a time when youth in crisis often need resources and services the most.
In honor of Pride month, fashion brand DKNY will match any donation to HMI through the end of June.
“When you hear the stories of the youth we support—where they’re at when they come through the door, and then their lives years later—it’s truly life-saving work,” Dixon said. “Many of our youth are homeless or well below the poverty line when they come to HMI. Today, we have HMI alumni who are attorneys, public servants, board members and leaders in the community. For people who need family and support, the organization truly changes their lives.”
Learn more about School’s Out and the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQIA+ Youth.

[ad_2]
Source link