Feed the East End: A Virtual Fundraiser

Feed the East End is a virtual fundraiser, the first online fundraiser for the Sag Harbor, Montauk, and East Hampton Food Pantries to date. The event was started by Kirby Marcantonio of Montauk Life and Hampton Life as an effort to help local families who depend on food pantries every week.

The fundraiser is up and running at https://app.galabid.com/feedtheeastend2022/items and will be until November 14th. Kirby noted, “We host it on www.galabid.com, eliminating the need for an expensive get together and delivering over 90% of the monies raised in equal shares to the three pantries.” He went on to say, “It is hard to believe in an area as wealthy as this that anyone can go without a meal. But it is true. Across the East End literally hundreds of local families depend on Food Pantries every week for help. That number will only increase this fall as food prices increase, pushing even more families into insecurity.”

Since Kirby publishes Montauk Life and Hampton Life, he knows hundreds of businesses in the area that are willing to give since they are aware of the impact these organizations have, so they are happy to do what they can. Ten sponsors were added to the fundraiser, each giving $1,000 to represent a different business niche, and Kirby said, “Without their help this event never would have happened.”

When asked why this fundraiser was initially started, Kirby said, “One of my clients and one of the nicest people I know is Vicki Littman. She owns Vicki’s Veggies in Amagansett and is the head of the East Hampton Food Pantry. I’ve helped promote some of her efforts and events in the past. When she said she and the other Food Pantries were expecting one of the most demanding fall/winters this year I started thinking about how I could help.” 

The Feed the East End fundraiser is set apart from other events because there is no overhead—no band, no tent, no food. Kirby says, “As a virtual event we can deliver as much as 95% of the monies bid. We are lucky to have a mix of things to bid on that I think are very special.”

He wanted to cover as many bases as possible, so among the almost 100 items are practical things like gas cards, car washes, haircuts, service, and repair. There are also gift certificates from many of the best restaurants in the area, a 2023 pass to the Hamptons International Film Festival, Bay Street, and Guild Hall. There are dozens of sports-related items and things to do like surfing, boating, fishing, biking, kayaking, sailing, and so on. Kirby says there are also a number of special items they are lucky to have included like the Paul Simon autographed anniversary edition of “Graceland,” and Paul McCartney’s autographed copy of his newest book “Lyrics.” The Barefoot Contessa donated two signed editions with chef’s cap and apron included, and Michael Dweck donated a signed edition of his updated “The End.”

There are many generous and one-of-a-kind items up for auction, but Kirby says that what makes this fundraiser successful is the people who support it, including sponsors, the businesses that donated, the churches and civic organizations that are promoting it, the media that covers it, and most importantly the people who bid. 

He says, “I’ve lived here almost my entire life. It’s my home. Although it has changed in almost every way since I first saw those beautiful elms on Main Street as an eight-year-old who just moved from upstate New York it is still a very special place. One I care about deeply. If I can make a difference in some people’s lives here, I feel it’s my obligation to use whatever talent and energy I have to do that.”

Kirby encourages everyone to bid on something for the Feed the East End cause. He concluded by saying, “There are so many great things to win, things you will use and enjoy, so dive in! And know every dollar you spend is going to help someone here who is less fortunate than you.”

The silent auction for Feed the East End runs until November 14th, so head to https://app.galabid.com/feedtheeastend2022/items to make a difference for this incredible East End community!