A Look at Southampton Fresh Air Home's Final Fireworks Celebration

2014 Picnic with Fireworks

For over 20 years, Southampton Fresh Air Home board member Danielle Ganek and her husband, David, have opened their home for the annual picnic with fireworks. As she gears up for her final year hosting, Ganek gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic event.

Zoe Ganek and friends with festive stilt walkers at the 2022 picnic.

Before we dive into the main event, can you tell us about your work with Southampton Fresh Air Home and what inspired you to join the organization?

David and Danielle Ganek

We were introduced to this wonderful local nonprofit camp for children with physical disabilities when we took our boys (our daughter wasn’t born yet) to the Fourth of July benefit picnic for the first time around 26 years ago. Little did we know then that a few years later we would buy that house from our friends Barbara and Jim McEntee and would continue the tradition they first imagined as a small party on the beach. That year, we visited the camp and fell in love with the children and the team of people who care for them. We were inspired by their incredible positive energy and joyous approach to life. From that point, the benefit picnic and Grucci fireworks (now in the bay) grew into an enormously successful event raising a large percentage of the camp’s annual budget thanks to the local community and supporters. It also became a cherished family tradition.

How have you seen SFAH bring change to the Hamptons community?

SFAH has grown so much in the past two decades since I became involved. During my tenure, SFAH went from being a small summer camp program to becoming a year-round facility providing both recreational and education programs to this underserved population. The most recent additions are an assistive technology program and the Home Away from Home program, which focuses on providing sustained life skill exercises and mentorships for those aging out of the summer program but still requiring support as they transition into adulthood.

Guests awaiting fireworks at the 2012 Picnic

What can you tell us about your role on the honorary board of directors?

The Home has been near to our hearts and a part of our lives for so many years. I was elected to the board in 2003 and served as vice president for a long time. After two decades, I transitioned to an honorary role to make room for new people and ideas. In that time, I was involved in many aspects of the camp, from producing a video to share with supporters on VHS tape (remember those?) To strategic planning, programming and writing classes. Our children have volunteered at the camp, even helping to scrub down the kitchen at the end of some summers when they were younger.

“The Picnic is such a cherished event because it welcomes guests of all ages. There is something for everyone.” –DANIELLE GANEK

Malcolm Price, David Ganek and Josh Harris

Why is 2024 the grand finale of this event in its current form?

In 2020, the pandemic disrupted this annual tradition, as it did the entire world. That year, there was no Picnic and camp was offered virtually via Zoom. The Picnic returned in 2022. Unfortunately, post-COVID, challenges such as costs, labor, laws, security and logistics have made producing such an enormous undertaking at a private home no longer viable. Increasingly tricky weather and traffic patterns also made the planning of this very special night under the stars (at least some of the time) more difficult, though the spirit always remained. The event will continue in a new form (and at a venue to be announced soon), but this will be a bittersweet farewell for us at our home.

Kim White, Sarah Senbahar, Danielle and David Ganek, Leslie Stevens, Johanna Caine and Kate Gascoyn

Nicky and Harry Ganek with friends.

What can guests expect when attending the event?

The Picnic is such a cherished event because it welcomes guests of all ages. There is something for everyone, from carnival and arcade games to a silent disco, photo booths, steel drums, full bars and the most delicious summer picnic (the burgers and pulled pork are favorites!). This year’s finale will add a Rolling in Dough pizza truck and ice cream from the Magic Fountain. The highlight of the evening, always, is the most spectacular firework show by Grucci, choreographed to music. Every year, they change it up, always outdoing themselves, and this year, they’ve promised a very special lineup for this finale event.

Zoe and David Ganek

Are there any special programs or moments you’re especially excited about this year?

While this year’s Picnic will be the last such event at a private home, I’m excited to know that this organization (123 years old) is in such a strong position going forward, able to serve larger numbers of new generations of campers. Technology has also advanced how children with physical disabilities can interact and navigate the world. This is something we find so inspiring.