As the summer season commences, The Retreat, the East End’s only comprehensive domestic violence services agency, has announced its 21st annual signature summer fundraising event. The Retreat is presenting its A Night in Monte Carlo themed All Against Abuse benefit on Saturday, June 25th at the Ross School Lower Campus Field House. Proceeds from the evening will support domestic violence services on the East End of Long Island.
Previously called Artists Against Abuse, this event has raised over $2.3 million in support of the organization’s mission. The benefit has evolved into something much larger than just an auction. It began as a “plate auction” where hundreds of famous and local participating artists created and donated one-of-a-kind plates which were auctioned off and sold to the highest bidder and has grown into a celebration of partnership with the community. A formal dinner has been added to the celebration, along with dancing components and a live auction that includes extraordinary trips and unique experiences, as well as artwork.
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Guests from last year’s All Against Abuse Benefit. (Photo: Richard Lewin) |
A Night in Monte Carlo has an honorary committee of celebrity supporters that includes Lorraine Bracco, Matthew Broderick, Kiran Gandhi, Ann Ligouri, Susan Lucci, Chris Martin, Kaitlin Olson, Mercedes Ruehl, Jessica Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld and Martha Stewart.
The soiree will feature a live and silent auction, chance-to-win treasure chest, wine ring toss, honoree presentation and a guest speaker. Additionally, the evening will include music by DJ MKL of Jarrell Entertainment, event design by Maria McBride and cuisine by Distinctive Catering.
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This year’s All Against Abuse benefit is A Night in Monte Carlo themed. (Photo: Richard Lewin) |
The Retreat is a safe haven for families in crisis. Since 1987, the organization has been providing domestic violence and sexual assault services and education to families, friends and neighbors on the East End of Long Island. Professionals and trained volunteers give clients the opportunity to safely heal and reestablish their lives free from violence. The Retreat’s services include a 24/7 domestic violence crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, residential shelter for adults and children, and violence prevention and education programs for children, teenagers and adults, taught in local schools and community-wide.
“The Retreat serves all people who are victims of domestic violence with needs ranging from legal advocacy to counseling to shelter; but The Retreat also provides our community with education in schools and educational programs in our community that teach health relationship guidelines and resources to stop abuse before it starts,” explained The Retreat Community Outreach Coordinator, Selina Pasca. “This event is our major fundraiser so that we can offer continuance in the range of services we provide. Hopefully [in the future], this event will be used for expanding services in prevention rather than healing.”
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Since 1987, the Retreat has been providing domestic violence and sexual assault services and education to families, friends and neighbors on the East End of Long Island. (Photo: Richard Lewin) |
As the sole comprehensive domestic violence service agency on the East End, The Retreat has provided 4,665 safe nights to 61 adults and 88 children at The Stephanie House. They have responded to 3,636 hotline calls, and they have served over 3,400 men, women and children with domestic violence and sexual assault services. All services are provided free of charge and are confidential.
The Retreat’s All Against Abuse Benefit will take place on Saturday, June 25th, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $500.
The Ross School Lower Campus Field House is located at 739 Butter Lane in Bridgehampton. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.theretreatinc.org.
