Ten years ago Susan Kinscherf, a retired schoolteacher from Brooklyn and longtime Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) volunteer, decided she wanted to champion the Shelter by organizing a gathering that celebrated SASF and its dedicated volunteers.
“I was looking for a way to give back and I decided to volunteer at the Southampton Animal Shelter and have been doing so for 19 years. I’ve been coming out to the Hamptons for many years with my friends and we had enjoyed the group rental scene,” Kinscherf explained. “Because of this I got to know many of the owners of the different businesses and bars and restaurants in the area. Ten years ago I spoke to my friends Tony Galgano and Mickey Shields about possibly having a benefit at the Boardy Barn to help support the Shelter that I was volunteering at. And they said yes, they would definitely be on board to do so.”
SASF’s Annual Benefit at Boardy Barn has turned into a post-Labor Day weekend tradition.
“So I got together a small group of local people who wanted to volunteer and we approached the businesses in the area for donations for our auctions. The first year we expected possibly 250 to 300 people to attend but were shocked when we had over 700 people attend that evening!” Kinscherf noted. “It was so successful that we have done it ever since and we have raised lots of money for the Shelter to help in caring for the adoptable pets housed there.”
The soiree’s 10th anniversary will take place on Saturday, September 7. It will include many exciting activities for attendees, including a giant chance auction, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, door prizes, a buffet dinner and music by Second Shift.
“It’s definitely a labor of love but my volunteers and I are so happy to be part of this successful event,” Kinscherf added. “Please join us on Saturday, September 7 at the Boardy Barn from 6 to 10 p.m. to continue this tradition! Hope to see you there!”
The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a non-profit organization that devotes themselves to the homeless pets of our community, with the mission of placing these lovable pets in permanent homes. Overall, the Shelter’s goal is to “promote and nourish the bond between people and animals through adoption, education and community outreach.”
The SASF welcomes all stray pets no matter what their current age, breed or health. They believe no animal should be left behind.
Tickets are $35, or $40 at the door.
Boardy Barn is located at 270 West Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays To learn more about the Southampton Animal Shelter please visit their website southamptonanimalshelter.com.