“Ladles Of Love” Aiming To Raise Vital $40,000 For Local Food Pantries

The East End community is coming together on Friday, March 29 for the East Hampton and Amagansett Food Pantries, who is hoping to raise vital funding during “Ladles of Love” at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett.

“The East Hampton Food Pantry is short approximately $40,000 to get us through the winter months. All food pantries have been hit hard because of the federal government shutdown and cuts on the food stamp program,” Vicki M. Littman, East Hampton Food Pantry Chairperson, relayed. “More people are relying on the food pantries to help them get through this difficult time. Therefore, we need to raise money to help us feed the increased number of clients.”

The fundraiser will feature music from several bands, as well as a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and merchandise from Polar. Headliners will include Mama Lee, Jetty Coons, Lynn Blue Band, Bastards of Boom, Taylor Barton with G.E. Smith, Bobbi Terzi Originals and OCDC.

“My company blumenfeld + fleming did the original poster for Ladles of Love and we both have donated to the Food Pantry every year,” Lynn Blumenfeld of Lynn Blue Band noted. “We care about this community and are inspired by the work that Vicky and everyone at the East Hampton Food Pantry does. Singing at the Talkhouse is always a thrill, we love performing there… and I’m lucky that my band and I want to support important local causes.”

The evening will also include the inaugural “Supervisor’s Jam” with Peter Van Scoyoc and his band, Supe Du Jour, and Jay Schniederman and Friends, as well as some special guests. The Art of Eating catering will be serving up rice and beans with cornbread.

“It’s a much needed event,” event organizer John Kowalenko, co-owner of Art of Eating Catering and Event Planning, reflected. “People ignore the idea that people go hungry in the Hamptons but we’re in a seasonal economy and sometimes the decision is whether to pay rent, get much-needed medication – or eat. We help them with the latter.”

In 2017, the East Hampton Food Pantry served more than 14,000 individuals. On a weekly basis they currently assist over 300 families, from the organization’s East Hampton location and Amagansett satellite.

“We are grateful to John and Cheryl Kowalenko from Art of Eating Catering, for stepping up and holding the Ladles of Love benefit at the Stephen Talkhouse,” Littman noted. “We are thankful to all of the talented musicians who have come forward to help raise money for the food pantry.”

The Food Pantry provides aid to food insecure families and individuals that reside within the town of East Hampton. The non-profit accepts food donations Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“I’m sure this benefit will be successful as the LOVE and support we have received from the community throughout the years has been enormous,” Littman added. “There are a limited amount of tickets, so you can call the East Hampton Food Pantry at 324-2300 to get tickets in advance.”

Admission to Ladles of Love is $35. The benefit will take place from 7 to 11 p.m.

Stephen Talkhouse is located at 161 Main Street in Amagansett. For more information about Ladles of Love, visit stephentalkhouse.com. For more infromation about ___, call 631-324-2300 or visit easthamptonfoodpantry.org.