Sarah’s Day: A Remembrance In Amagansett

Sarah DeHavenon, who founded French Presse in Amagansett Square, was known locally for her energy and kindness. An Amagansett resident for decades, DeHavenon-Fowler passed away last October at 58 years old after a two-year battle with glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.

On Saturday, July 13, from noon to 4 PM, friends — including Alec and Hilaria Baldwin — will be hosting a free event at French Presse, open to the public, with music, good food, and more to celebrate DeHavenon’s legacy of life, love, and community.

“Sarah brought a warmth, caring, intelligence, and style into every room she entered,” Alec Baldwin said. “There are not many like her in our area. In our world.”

DeHavenon founded French Presse, a bedding and lifestyle boutique, as a way to revive the natural joy of a slower era. She had witnessed much change in the Hamptons since being a child out here in the 1960s, and strived to create a space where people would feel welcome, tranquil, and present.

French Presse Linens began as a high-end, environmentally-friendly linen laundering service, but expanded to include luxury retail linens and pillows. The shop is now run by DeHavenon’s and her husband, Joe Fowler’s son, Dylan. This weekend, French Presse will be donating 15 percent of all proceeds from sales (online and in-store) to CancerCare, an organization dedicated to helping people manage the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer.

There will be limited edition products available, as well as select sale items, along with a silent auction. Mandala Yoga Center, which is also located at Amagansett Square, will host a communal chanting session. And live music will be provided by The Woodworkers, Lynn Blumenfeld, and others.

“Sarah was a beautiful, kind spirit who inspired everyone around her. Deeply connected to her kids and her community, she radiated warmth and love,” said Lynn Blumenfeld, who performs under the name Lynn Blue.

“Her son, Dylan — who I used to hang out with at Atlantic Beach — asked if my band could play,” Blumenfeld said. “We already had a gig so we couldn’t do both, but I asked my friend Fred Raimondo, and I hope to sing a song or two in her honor.”

Catering will be provided by Estia’s Little Kitchen, Art of Eating, and Cavaniola’s. Additionally, the Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation will provide a donation to the organization.

bridget@indyeastend.com