Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation Celebrating The Art Of Surfing During Annual Summer Gala

The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation (MPCCF) will fête an accomplished group of local artists and activists who embody and document the spirit of “The End” through their acclaimed projects during the Foundation’s annual fundraising Gala on Saturday, August 5. 2017 honorees include local surfer and artist Tony Caramanico, cartoonist, artist, and surfer Peter Spacek, renowned local surf photographer James Katsipis, and community activist and surf instructor Evelyn O’Doherty.

“Each of our honorees have made an impact on the community, just like the Playhouse has,” explained Susan Henkin, Executive Director of the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation. “This year, the Gala will support the fundraising efforts of the MPCCF in its mission to construct a Cultural Arts and Aquatic Center at the Playhouse.”

An ode to the dynamic, authentic surf culture of Montauk, this year’s benefit will feature a festive cocktail hour, seated dinner, musical performance headlined by Donavon Frankenreiter, live and silent auctions, and other exciting happenings, with Travis Beckmann, Candace Ceslow, Mikey DeTemple, and Lief Engstrom serving as Gala Honorary Co-Chairs.

The evening will also feature a special tribute to journalist, author and surfer Rusty Drumm, who often focused on Montauk’s commercial and recreational connection to the area’s shoreline.

Currently only half of the Montauk Playhouse Community Center is operational, but MPCCF hopes to fulfill its full potential and offer facilities and programs that best serve the community’s needs and desires by completing the unfinished portion of the historic building. “With the Town of East Hampton’s commitment to match our private donations we have a lot to celebrate this year,” noted Henkin. “With six million dollars toward our fund-raising goal of eight million, there is great energy around this project.”

The Aquatic Center, which will be housed on the lower level of building, will include two pools, – one for fitness training and one for recreation – while the Cultural Arts Center will feature a multi-use space where performances, conferences, and events can be held.

Founded in 1999, the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established to save the historic Montauk Playhouse and offer “a vibrant home for arts, education, athletics and human services.”

Tickets to the Gala for the Montauk Playhouse begin at $300.

Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation is located at 240 Edgemere Street in Montauk. For more information, call 631-668-1124 or visit www.montaukplayhouse.org.