Matching Challenge Announced at the Playhouse Gala

The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation’s annual fundraising Gala was held on Saturday, August 4th. One of the most anticipated Hamptons summer events, the Gala, brings together year-round and seasonal residents, for a great party, on the grounds of the historic Playhouse. This year’s Playhouse honorees Lisa DeVeglio and Roger Feit are two of Montauk’s most dedicated community volunteers and philanthropists. Headlined by Nancy Atlas and Friends, the event hosted 400 guests, featured a festive cocktail hour, seated dinner, live and silent auctions.

Guest were greeted by the Foundation’s President Perry B. “Chip” Duryea, III who shared words of warmth and praise for the honorees and the tight knit Montauk community. “I’ve heard people ask ‘When are they going to build the pool?’ It is not they, but us. When are we going to build the pool?” The answer in the room appeared to be "now," as the Foundation raised over $18,000 toward a $250,000 matching challenge announced at the event.

A generous supporter will match up to $250,00 of monies raised toward the capital construction fund before August 31, 2018. With permitting under way, the Foundation plans to begin construction this year. $3 million in private funds have been raised and the TOEH has shown their support with a $3 million allocation from the 2019 Capital Improvements Budget toward construction.

Chip reminded the energetic crowd “You and I, and all the people who support the Playhouse, all the people who feel that the citizens of Montauk, young and old, deserve a vibrant community center, we will build this center. It is not they, but us."

Supervisor, Peter Van Scoyoc, entertained the crowd by joining Nancy Atlas and offering a crowd pleasing rendition of Johnny Cash’s, Ring of Fire. The Supervisor applauded his Board’s commitment to supporting this important community project.

“This is our time to say what Montauk should be now and in the future,” Mr. Duryea reminded the sold-out crowd. To learn more and help reach the $250,000 challenge visit www.montaukplayhouse.org or contact the Playhouse Foundation (631) 668-1124.