East Hampton Garden Club Sowing Tradition And Greenery

East Hampton Village is one of the few places left in the U.S. where citizens and local organizations choose to stay true to their traditions. One such organization who is proud to uphold a yearly practice is the East Hampton Garden Club, and it has served them well. This year, the Garden Club’s traditional Garden Party was steeped in success along with a little rain.

“This is by far one of the most important fundraisers we having during the year,” says Gigi Mahon, the current president of the East Hampton Garden Club. “ And one of the big important parts to me is that we really try and keep it as a wonderful East Hampton town and village experience… There is so much that isn’t traditional anymore.”

Mahon thinks that it is appreciated that some things, such as the sign when coming into town, can be counted upon. She also knows that many people start their gardens for the summer with this event. And she seems to be proven correct by the nearly 350 guests who braved the rather blistery and cold evening to start their gardens and have a little fun bidding and eating.

At the Garden Party on Friday, May 24, the tent that housed the silent auction area was bursting with over 100 items to bid on. Items included everything from a Jennifer Miller Jewelry bracelet, and a Tory Burch bag, to a boys boogie board paired with movie tickets, or wine, and original pieces of artwork. Attendees could also take home beautiful new additions to add to their home gardens. The event raised over $50,000 for the Club which will aid their work in the community.

“The Garden Club of East Hampton really cares about community service that it provides,” said Ellen Cromack, member of the East Hampton Garden club said. “The funds are important to our work on the community gardens that we keep at the rail road station, the post office, the East Hampton Library, and elsewhere.”

The club is also working to help with kids in the community who are interested in the environment by starting a scholarship.

“Every year people talk about changing it and computerizing it but that’s not what we are and we do very well by this. People come year after year and love it,” says Mahon.

Reportedly plants are not the only things that are a tradition at this gathering. Mahon also boasts that some fabulous guacamole can be counted on.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say the guacamole is wonderful every year.” She says.

For more information about the Garden Club of East Hampton visit www.gceasthampton.org.