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2016 A Night Under The Stars

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This event was born out of a long-lived friendship between Jason Zimmerman, Founder of Bridgehampton Benefit, and Brady Forseth, Executive Director of the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Once they committed to put together this Benefit to help increase awareness of the Starkey missions around the world, two other foundations came in the picture. All decided to collaborate to bring about what promises to be a most prestigious affair in the Hamptons this summer.

In 2016, Bridgehampton Benefit hosted “A Night Under the Stars” which began with a Cocktail and Hors d’oeuvres hour, where attendees were able to mingle with Hall of Fame athletes, celebrities, and politicians. The main event will have amazing performances by Grammy Award winning artists and celebrity icons such as 50cent . This event also featured an exotic classic car show and fashion show.  To satisfy epicurean palates, the food was be prepared by local celebrity chefs.


This year, Bridgehampton Benefit proceeds went to Starkey Hearing Foundation, the Needlers Foundation, and the Long Island Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence.Charities change the lives of people in need every day with even the smallest of guest, such as Verne Troyer more notably mini me from Austin Powers, knows attending this event made a large impact on the community.    To purchase tickets click on our “Get Involved tab.”

“I am doing this for sentimental reasons as much as for the sheer pleasure of helping change children’s lives and their families for the better. We are so privileged here in our blessed Country that we omit to look outside at the future of our world... I cannot help but take action and reach out, take the time to make a difference in the world one event at a time, with all the beautiful people that get involved and donate of their money, time, talent, and resources” 

(Jason Zimmerman, Founder of Bridgehampton Benefit, a branch of Bridgehampton Equities)

The night began with a cocktail event where the guest was able to mingle with the celebrities supporting the charity.   Following the cocktail hour, the main event included dinner, celebrity artist performances, a live auction, and music and dance with Celebrity DJ Aiden Jude.  The money is used to fund schools, hospitals, clinics, implement educational programs to children who are deaf and hard of hearing so that the world may hear, and much more. To purchase tickets click on our “Get Involved tab.”

 

“I am doing this for sentimental reasons as much as for the sheer pleasure of helping change children’s lives and their families for the better. We are so privileged here in our blessed Country that we omit to look outside at the future of our world... I cannot help but take action and reach out, take the time to make a difference in the world one event at a time, with all the beautiful people that get involved and donate of their money, time, talent, and resources” (Jason Zimmerman, Founder of Bridgehampton Benefit, a branch of Bridgehampton Equities)

HELEN MATSOS AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

HELEN MATSOS AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

Editor and Singer Helen Matsos is one of the incredible people who volunteered their time to get involved with Starkey annual Bridgehampton Benefit. We caught up with her on the red carpet for a quick chat about his feelings on the event. http://www.bridgehamptonbenefit.com http://www.starkey.com FOLLOW US: http://www.sputnikent.com http://www.twitter.com/sputnikent Starkey Hearing Technologies is an American-owned and operated company founded in 1967 and based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It is the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer in the world and is the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the U.S. The company has 21 facilities in more than 18 countries throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia and employs nearly 5000 people worldwide. With sales of more than 1 million hearing aids annually, Starkey Hearing Technologies is one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. William (Bill) F. Austin was born in Springfield, Missouri to his father, J.E. "Dutch" Austin, a Georgia-Pacific lumber grader and his mother, Zola, a factory worker. Bill grew up in Garibaldi, Oregon with the intention of becoming a doctor. In 1961, he enrolled in a pre-med program at the University of Minnesota but later dropped out to open a hearing instruments shop in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. In 1967, Austin started Professional Hearing Aid Service out of his home. He built ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids, but had difficulty finding a good repair service. He soon partnered with a technician from Chicago who had relocated to Minnesota and the two started their own repair company. Austin employed technicians that worked out of his basement to repair and service hearing aids of all types. Professional Hearing Aid Service was the only all-make hearing instrument repair service at the time. Austin eventually moved his company out of his home and into a large office building located at 4725 Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. It was during this time that Austin started charging a flat rate for hearing aid repairs, something that was unheard of in the hearing aid industry. Starkey Laboratories changed its name to Starkey Hearing Technologies in 2012. That same year, Starkey hosted the very first Hearing Innovation Expo, held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event was a first for the hearing industry and was attended by more than 3,000 hearing care professionals. Highlights included a keynote address from President Bill Clinton, speeches from industry thought leaders, world-class scientists and executives from Fortune 500 companies The second Hearing Innovation Expo returned to the Cosmopolitan in January 2014, again headlined by former presidents. Both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush delivered keynote addresses for those in attendance. Expo 2016 was held January 20-24 and included Ben Affleck, Magic Johnson, Presidents Bush and Clinton, author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews, Randi Zuckerberg, author Daniel Pink, entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, author Mike Maddock and panelists from ABC's Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. In 1973, Bill Austin created the Starkey Fund, which was a battery-recycling program with proceeds aimed at helping people in need receive hearing assistance. This fund evolved into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which was officially founded in 1984 by Bill and Tani Austin. In 1985, Starkey Hearing Foundation conducted its first mission at XV World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles, fitting more than 800 deaf athletes. In 2015, Starkey Hearing Foundation was the official Healthy Hearing partner of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. As the Healthy Hearing partner, the foundation provided free hearing health exams and free hearing aids to Special Olympics athletes. The foundation fits more than 175,000 free hearing aids annually to children and adults through global hearing missions all around the world and through the daily efforts of its domestic Hear Now program. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the foundation has pledged to fit more than one million hearing aids by the end of this decade. Austin’s philosophy is that the gift of hearing opens up a whole new world of opportunity by connecting individuals to life and helping them realize their potential. The goal of the Foundation is not only to help restore hearing, but to empower people with the ability to build themselves better lives and the knowledge that they too can help those around them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation works closely with strategic partners in each country it travels to. These partners include national and regional health leaders, schools and non-government organizations. Members of the foundation recruit and train local volunteers to help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of each hearing mission.
VERNE TROYER AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

VERNE TROYER AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

Actor Verne Troyer is one of the incredible people who volunteered their time to get involved with Starkey annual Bridgehampton Benefit. We caught up with him on the red carpet for a quick chat about his feelings on the event. http://www.bridgehamptonbenefit.com http://www.starkey.com FOLLOW US: http://www.sputnikent.com http://www.twitter.com/sputnikent Starkey Hearing Technologies is an American-owned and operated company founded in 1967 and based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It is the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer in the world and is the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the U.S. The company has 21 facilities in more than 18 countries throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia and employs nearly 5000 people worldwide. With sales of more than 1 million hearing aids annually, Starkey Hearing Technologies is one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. William (Bill) F. Austin was born in Springfield, Missouri to his father, J.E. "Dutch" Austin, a Georgia-Pacific lumber grader and his mother, Zola, a factory worker. Bill grew up in Garibaldi, Oregon with the intention of becoming a doctor. In 1961, he enrolled in a pre-med program at the University of Minnesota but later dropped out to open a hearing instruments shop in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. In 1967, Austin started Professional Hearing Aid Service out of his home. He built ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids, but had difficulty finding a good repair service. He soon partnered with a technician from Chicago who had relocated to Minnesota and the two started their own repair company. Austin employed technicians that worked out of his basement to repair and service hearing aids of all types. Professional Hearing Aid Service was the only all-make hearing instrument repair service at the time. Austin eventually moved his company out of his home and into a large office building located at 4725 Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. It was during this time that Austin started charging a flat rate for hearing aid repairs, something that was unheard of in the hearing aid industry. Starkey Laboratories changed its name to Starkey Hearing Technologies in 2012. That same year, Starkey hosted the very first Hearing Innovation Expo, held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event was a first for the hearing industry and was attended by more than 3,000 hearing care professionals. Highlights included a keynote address from President Bill Clinton, speeches from industry thought leaders, world-class scientists and executives from Fortune 500 companies The second Hearing Innovation Expo returned to the Cosmopolitan in January 2014, again headlined by former presidents. Both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush delivered keynote addresses for those in attendance. Expo 2016 was held January 20-24 and included Ben Affleck, Magic Johnson, Presidents Bush and Clinton, author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews, Randi Zuckerberg, author Daniel Pink, entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, author Mike Maddock and panelists from ABC's Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. In 1973, Bill Austin created the Starkey Fund, which was a battery-recycling program with proceeds aimed at helping people in need receive hearing assistance. This fund evolved into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which was officially founded in 1984 by Bill and Tani Austin. In 1985, Starkey Hearing Foundation conducted its first mission at XV World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles, fitting more than 800 deaf athletes. In 2015, Starkey Hearing Foundation was the official Healthy Hearing partner of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. As the Healthy Hearing partner, the foundation provided free hearing health exams and free hearing aids to Special Olympics athletes. The foundation fits more than 175,000 free hearing aids annually to children and adults through global hearing missions all around the world and through the daily efforts of its domestic Hear Now program. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the foundation has pledged to fit more than one million hearing aids by the end of this decade. Austin’s philosophy is that the gift of hearing opens up a whole new world of opportunity by connecting individuals to life and helping them realize their potential. The goal of the Foundation is not only to help restore hearing, but to empower people with the ability to build themselves better lives and the knowledge that they too can help those around them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation works closely with strategic partners in each country it travels to. These partners include national and regional health leaders, schools and non-government organizations. Members of the foundation recruit and train local volunteers to help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of each hearing mission.
MEREDITH O'CONNOR AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

MEREDITH O'CONNOR AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

Meredith O'Connor is one of the incredible people who volunteered their time to get involved with Starkey annual Bridgehampton Benefit in her hostess role. We caught up with her on the red carpet for a quick chat. http://www.bridgehamptonbenefit.com http://www.starkey.com FOLLOW US: http://www.sputnikent.com http://www.twitter.com/sputnikent Starkey Hearing Technologies is an American-owned and operated company founded in 1967 and based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It is the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer in the world and is the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the U.S. The company has 21 facilities in more than 18 countries throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia and employs nearly 5000 people worldwide. With sales of more than 1 million hearing aids annually, Starkey Hearing Technologies is one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. William (Bill) F. Austin was born in Springfield, Missouri to his father, J.E. "Dutch" Austin, a Georgia-Pacific lumber grader and his mother, Zola, a factory worker. Bill grew up in Garibaldi, Oregon with the intention of becoming a doctor. In 1961, he enrolled in a pre-med program at the University of Minnesota but later dropped out to open a hearing instruments shop in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. In 1967, Austin started Professional Hearing Aid Service out of his home. He built ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids, but had difficulty finding a good repair service. He soon partnered with a technician from Chicago who had relocated to Minnesota and the two started their own repair company. Austin employed technicians that worked out of his basement to repair and service hearing aids of all types. Professional Hearing Aid Service was the only all-make hearing instrument repair service at the time. Austin eventually moved his company out of his home and into a large office building located at 4725 Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. It was during this time that Austin started charging a flat rate for hearing aid repairs, something that was unheard of in the hearing aid industry. Starkey Laboratories changed its name to Starkey Hearing Technologies in 2012. That same year, Starkey hosted the very first Hearing Innovation Expo, held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event was a first for the hearing industry and was attended by more than 3,000 hearing care professionals. Highlights included a keynote address from President Bill Clinton, speeches from industry thought leaders, world-class scientists and executives from Fortune 500 companies The second Hearing Innovation Expo returned to the Cosmopolitan in January 2014, again headlined by former presidents. Both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush delivered keynote addresses for those in attendance. Expo 2016 was held January 20-24 and included Ben Affleck, Magic Johnson, Presidents Bush and Clinton, author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews, Randi Zuckerberg, author Daniel Pink, entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, author Mike Maddock and panelists from ABC's Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. In 1973, Bill Austin created the Starkey Fund, which was a battery-recycling program with proceeds aimed at helping people in need receive hearing assistance. This fund evolved into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which was officially founded in 1984 by Bill and Tani Austin. In 1985, Starkey Hearing Foundation conducted its first mission at XV World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles, fitting more than 800 deaf athletes. In 2015, Starkey Hearing Foundation was the official Healthy Hearing partner of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. As the Healthy Hearing partner, the foundation provided free hearing health exams and free hearing aids to Special Olympics athletes. The foundation fits more than 175,000 free hearing aids annually to children and adults through global hearing missions all around the world and through the daily efforts of its domestic Hear Now program. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the foundation has pledged to fit more than one million hearing aids by the end of this decade. Austin’s philosophy is that the gift of hearing opens up a whole new world of opportunity by connecting individuals to life and helping them realize their potential. The goal of the Foundation is not only to help restore hearing, but to empower people with the ability to build themselves better lives and the knowledge that they too can help those around them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation works closely with strategic partners in each country it travels to. These partners include national and regional health leaders, schools and non-government organizations. Members of the foundation recruit and train local volunteers to help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of each hearing mission.
CHUCK NICE AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

CHUCK NICE AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

Comedian Chuck Nice is one of the incredible people who volunteered their time to get involved with Starkey annual Bridgehampton Benefit. We caught up with him on the red carpet for a quick chat about his feelings on the event. http://www.bridgehamptonbenefit.com http://www.starkey.com FOLLOW US: http://www.sputnikent.com http://www.twitter.com/sputnikent Starkey Hearing Technologies is an American-owned and operated company founded in 1967 and based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It is the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer in the world and is the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the U.S. The company has 21 facilities in more than 18 countries throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia and employs nearly 5000 people worldwide. With sales of more than 1 million hearing aids annually, Starkey Hearing Technologies is one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. William (Bill) F. Austin was born in Springfield, Missouri to his father, J.E. "Dutch" Austin, a Georgia-Pacific lumber grader and his mother, Zola, a factory worker. Bill grew up in Garibaldi, Oregon with the intention of becoming a doctor. In 1961, he enrolled in a pre-med program at the University of Minnesota but later dropped out to open a hearing instruments shop in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. In 1967, Austin started Professional Hearing Aid Service out of his home. He built ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids, but had difficulty finding a good repair service. He soon partnered with a technician from Chicago who had relocated to Minnesota and the two started their own repair company. Austin employed technicians that worked out of his basement to repair and service hearing aids of all types. Professional Hearing Aid Service was the only all-make hearing instrument repair service at the time. Austin eventually moved his company out of his home and into a large office building located at 4725 Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. It was during this time that Austin started charging a flat rate for hearing aid repairs, something that was unheard of in the hearing aid industry. Starkey Laboratories changed its name to Starkey Hearing Technologies in 2012. That same year, Starkey hosted the very first Hearing Innovation Expo, held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event was a first for the hearing industry and was attended by more than 3,000 hearing care professionals. Highlights included a keynote address from President Bill Clinton, speeches from industry thought leaders, world-class scientists and executives from Fortune 500 companies The second Hearing Innovation Expo returned to the Cosmopolitan in January 2014, again headlined by former presidents. Both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush delivered keynote addresses for those in attendance. Expo 2016 was held January 20-24 and included Ben Affleck, Magic Johnson, Presidents Bush and Clinton, author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews, Randi Zuckerberg, author Daniel Pink, entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, author Mike Maddock and panelists from ABC's Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. In 1973, Bill Austin created the Starkey Fund, which was a battery-recycling program with proceeds aimed at helping people in need receive hearing assistance. This fund evolved into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which was officially founded in 1984 by Bill and Tani Austin. In 1985, Starkey Hearing Foundation conducted its first mission at XV World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles, fitting more than 800 deaf athletes. In 2015, Starkey Hearing Foundation was the official Healthy Hearing partner of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. As the Healthy Hearing partner, the foundation provided free hearing health exams and free hearing aids to Special Olympics athletes. The foundation fits more than 175,000 free hearing aids annually to children and adults through global hearing missions all around the world and through the daily efforts of its domestic Hear Now program. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the foundation has pledged to fit more than one million hearing aids by the end of this decade. Austin’s philosophy is that the gift of hearing opens up a whole new world of opportunity by connecting individuals to life and helping them realize their potential. The goal of the Foundation is not only to help restore hearing, but to empower people with the ability to build themselves better lives and the knowledge that they too can help those around them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation works closely with strategic partners in each country it travels to. These partners include national and regional health leaders, schools and non-government organizations. Members of the foundation recruit and train local volunteers to help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of each hearing mission.
QUINTON AARON AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

QUINTON AARON AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

Actor Quinton Aaron is one of the incredible people who volunteered their time to get involved with Starkey annual Bridgehampton Benefit. We caught up with him on the red carpet for a quick chat about his feelings on the event. http://www.bridgehamptonbenefit.com http://www.starkey.com FOLLOW US: http://www.sputnikent.com http://www.twitter.com/sputnikent Starkey Hearing Technologies is an American-owned and operated company founded in 1967 and based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It is the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer in the world and is the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the U.S. The company has 21 facilities in more than 18 countries throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia and employs nearly 5000 people worldwide. With sales of more than 1 million hearing aids annually, Starkey Hearing Technologies is one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. William (Bill) F. Austin was born in Springfield, Missouri to his father, J.E. "Dutch" Austin, a Georgia-Pacific lumber grader and his mother, Zola, a factory worker. Bill grew up in Garibaldi, Oregon with the intention of becoming a doctor. In 1961, he enrolled in a pre-med program at the University of Minnesota but later dropped out to open a hearing instruments shop in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. In 1967, Austin started Professional Hearing Aid Service out of his home. He built ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids, but had difficulty finding a good repair service. He soon partnered with a technician from Chicago who had relocated to Minnesota and the two started their own repair company. Austin employed technicians that worked out of his basement to repair and service hearing aids of all types. Professional Hearing Aid Service was the only all-make hearing instrument repair service at the time. Austin eventually moved his company out of his home and into a large office building located at 4725 Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. It was during this time that Austin started charging a flat rate for hearing aid repairs, something that was unheard of in the hearing aid industry. Starkey Laboratories changed its name to Starkey Hearing Technologies in 2012. That same year, Starkey hosted the very first Hearing Innovation Expo, held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event was a first for the hearing industry and was attended by more than 3,000 hearing care professionals. Highlights included a keynote address from President Bill Clinton, speeches from industry thought leaders, world-class scientists and executives from Fortune 500 companies The second Hearing Innovation Expo returned to the Cosmopolitan in January 2014, again headlined by former presidents. Both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush delivered keynote addresses for those in attendance. Expo 2016 was held January 20-24 and included Ben Affleck, Magic Johnson, Presidents Bush and Clinton, author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews, Randi Zuckerberg, author Daniel Pink, entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, author Mike Maddock and panelists from ABC's Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. In 1973, Bill Austin created the Starkey Fund, which was a battery-recycling program with proceeds aimed at helping people in need receive hearing assistance. This fund evolved into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which was officially founded in 1984 by Bill and Tani Austin. In 1985, Starkey Hearing Foundation conducted its first mission at XV World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles, fitting more than 800 deaf athletes. In 2015, Starkey Hearing Foundation was the official Healthy Hearing partner of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. As the Healthy Hearing partner, the foundation provided free hearing health exams and free hearing aids to Special Olympics athletes. The foundation fits more than 175,000 free hearing aids annually to children and adults through global hearing missions all around the world and through the daily efforts of its domestic Hear Now program. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the foundation has pledged to fit more than one million hearing aids by the end of this decade. Austin’s philosophy is that the gift of hearing opens up a whole new world of opportunity by connecting individuals to life and helping them realize their potential. The goal of the Foundation is not only to help restore hearing, but to empower people with the ability to build themselves better lives and the knowledge that they too can help those around them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation works closely with strategic partners in each country it travels to. These partners include national and regional health leaders, schools and non-government organizations. Members of the foundation recruit and train local volunteers to help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of each hearing mission.
ROHAN MARLEY AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

ROHAN MARLEY AT BRIDGEHAMPTON BENEFIT

Rohan Marley is one of the incredible people who volunteered their time to get involved with Starkey annual Bridgehampton Benefit in addition his friend Chris Massey famous from his role on Zoey 101 dropped for a quick cameo. We caught up with them on the red carpet for a quick chat. http://www.bridgehamptonbenefit.com http://www.starkey.com FOLLOW US: http://www.sputnikent.com http://www.twitter.com/sputnikent Starkey Hearing Technologies is an American-owned and operated company founded in 1967 and based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It is the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer in the world and is the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the U.S. The company has 21 facilities in more than 18 countries throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia and employs nearly 5000 people worldwide. With sales of more than 1 million hearing aids annually, Starkey Hearing Technologies is one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. William (Bill) F. Austin was born in Springfield, Missouri to his father, J.E. "Dutch" Austin, a Georgia-Pacific lumber grader and his mother, Zola, a factory worker. Bill grew up in Garibaldi, Oregon with the intention of becoming a doctor. In 1961, he enrolled in a pre-med program at the University of Minnesota but later dropped out to open a hearing instruments shop in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. In 1967, Austin started Professional Hearing Aid Service out of his home. He built ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids, but had difficulty finding a good repair service. He soon partnered with a technician from Chicago who had relocated to Minnesota and the two started their own repair company. Austin employed technicians that worked out of his basement to repair and service hearing aids of all types. Professional Hearing Aid Service was the only all-make hearing instrument repair service at the time. Austin eventually moved his company out of his home and into a large office building located at 4725 Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. It was during this time that Austin started charging a flat rate for hearing aid repairs, something that was unheard of in the hearing aid industry. Starkey Laboratories changed its name to Starkey Hearing Technologies in 2012. That same year, Starkey hosted the very first Hearing Innovation Expo, held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event was a first for the hearing industry and was attended by more than 3,000 hearing care professionals. Highlights included a keynote address from President Bill Clinton, speeches from industry thought leaders, world-class scientists and executives from Fortune 500 companies The second Hearing Innovation Expo returned to the Cosmopolitan in January 2014, again headlined by former presidents. Both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush delivered keynote addresses for those in attendance. Expo 2016 was held January 20-24 and included Ben Affleck, Magic Johnson, Presidents Bush and Clinton, author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews, Randi Zuckerberg, author Daniel Pink, entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, author Mike Maddock and panelists from ABC's Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. In 1973, Bill Austin created the Starkey Fund, which was a battery-recycling program with proceeds aimed at helping people in need receive hearing assistance. This fund evolved into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which was officially founded in 1984 by Bill and Tani Austin. In 1985, Starkey Hearing Foundation conducted its first mission at XV World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles, fitting more than 800 deaf athletes. In 2015, Starkey Hearing Foundation was the official Healthy Hearing partner of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. As the Healthy Hearing partner, the foundation provided free hearing health exams and free hearing aids to Special Olympics athletes. The foundation fits more than 175,000 free hearing aids annually to children and adults through global hearing missions all around the world and through the daily efforts of its domestic Hear Now program. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the foundation has pledged to fit more than one million hearing aids by the end of this decade. Austin’s philosophy is that the gift of hearing opens up a whole new world of opportunity by connecting individuals to life and helping them realize their potential. The goal of the Foundation is not only to help restore hearing, but to empower people with the ability to build themselves better lives and the knowledge that they too can help those around them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation works closely with strategic partners in each country it travels to. These partners include national and regional health leaders, schools and non-government organizations. Members of the foundation recruit and train local volunteers to help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of each hearing mission.

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