Diamond In The Rough Gala A Shining Success For The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation

The rain and clouds certainly didn’t put a damper on the stunning evening at the Annual Diamond in the Rough Gala held at the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation. All proceeds from this evening benefited the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation and their future plans, which include a fully equipped Aquatic Center as well as a Cultural Center in the currently unfinished space.

Actress Julianne Moore and her husband, director Bart Freundlich, as well as Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and his wife Nancy Mack served as Honorary Co-Chairs of the soiree. Smith said he has been doing great since he and the Chili Peppers have returned from their world tour, and is currently taking a break and just enjoying the summer on the East End. Before dinner, Smith did an honorary drum roll up on the stage for the guests, proving he really is the better drummer after all… Sorry Will Ferrell!

During the evening, guests enjoyed a sprawling silent auction with several pieces of beautiful art and jewelry to bid on. Other prizes included a private sail on the Mon Tiki, a men’s shopping spree at John Varvatos’ East Hampton boutique, airfare for four and a one week stay in Cancun, a round of golf for three at the South Fork Country Club in Amagansett, a ride on Jimmy Buffet’s boat and a guitar signed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers themselves. Cocktail hour featured a variety of options like oysters on the half shell, miniature crab cakes, a fresh watermelon gazpacho and miniature slider burgers, and a wide selection of beverages from Spencer Merinoff, Stonecrop Wines, Peroni Beer as well as beer from the Montauk Brewing Co. Extra charm was added to the night by featuring a local business, The Candied Anchor, which offered a plethora of raspberry taffy to guests, which was decorative as well as delicious.

Once everyone sat down to dinner, they heard from a fellow Montauk resident and Gala Honoree, Alice Houseknecht about how Montauk was a place near and dear to her heart. She passionately expressed it was not just about the surf and the sand, but the real sense of community that Montauk instills. Other honorees included Andrew Suckling and Christine Iu, who also spoke to the crowd under the lighted tent before dinner was served, and were honored for their generous philanthropic contributions. After dinner, music from The Nancy Atlas Project had attendees dancing to classic tunes.

For more information about the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation, visit www.montaukplayhouse.org.