On Saturday, June 29th, Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center will host a special fundraiser called “It Takes Our Village.” The event will be at Mulford Farm located at 10 James Lane in East Hampton from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
This year’s benefit was inspired by the community as a celebration of non-profits on the East End. At the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, they expressed that they are leaning into the theme “it takes a village” because everyone who has been part of the community has played a role in enriching the lives of children with more educational offerings at no additional cost to families.
The benefit will celebrate Amber Waves Farm, East Hampton Library, Springs Food Pantry, The LVIS Garden Club of East Hampton and Paddlers for Humanity, all of whom have contributed to the hands-on learning programs that the Center is able to offer.
The EWECC supports the children of families who live on the East End year-round. These are the families who keep our villages not only lively, but safe and play an integral role in the environment flourishing. Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center was founded in 1969, and it is the only licensed, non-profit childcare center on Eastern Long Island. The Center directly addresses the critical need for affordable childcare and high-quality early education in a region where this is not always prioritized. EWECC provides affordable early learning programs year-round to working families, and one of the reasons they are able to do this is through fundraising efforts and community support. This is why their upcoming benefit is monumental to their success and celebrates those who have made it possible.
The event will be held in the early evening sunset hours in the iconic East Hampton village. The atmosphere will be celebratory, featuring bluegrass music from the band Pete & the Stray Dogs, catering by The Clam Bar, and local wine and spirits from Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Sunboy, and Montauk RumRunners.
“This year’s annual benefit is truly a celebration of community, which is why we chose to hold it in the heart of our community, the iconic Mulford Farm. We’re planning to light up the evening with great live music, local fare provided by The Clam Bar, whose owners are parents of kids at the Center, and the warmth and spirit of the East End,” says Joan Overlock, Director of Development. “This is our most important fundraising event of the year. And all funds raised on June 29th go directly toward helping us keep childcare affordable for working families and our fees among the lowest in Suffolk County,” she adds.
At this year’s event, “The Eleanor Prize” will be introduced in honor of Eleanor Whitmore. She wholeheartedly believed in investing in the community and creating opportunities for its members to thrive. The recipient of this year’s award is one who conveys Eleanor’s commitment and spirit.
Executive Director, Tim Frazier says, “We are so thankful for the partnership of these amazing local non-profits who have enriched the hands-on learning programs for our kids. They truly embody the spirit of ‘It takes our village,’ proving we all have a role to play in nurturing the next generation. We are so excited to announce the first recipient of ‘The Eleanor Prize’ to an individual who, like Eleanor, creates meaningful opportunities for our diverse community members to thrive.”
Generous sponsors of the event include Cruz Brothers Construction, East Hampton Pool Shark, and Whitmores. This is the keystone fundraiser of the year for Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center. The funds raised will keep fees affordable for working families and high-quality education accessible.
Head out for what is sure to be a lively evening of celebration and community on June 29th! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
