Thrift Shopping For A Cause

The Hamptons gives a whole new meaning to the term “thrift shopping”.

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons Thrift and Treasure shop will be transformed by some of the top interior designers who are donating their time to support the Third Annual Designer Showhouse and Sale.

On Saturday, May 25, six rooms at the ARF thrift shop will be redecorated, transforming the shop’s room’s into vignettes that were and inspired and created from thrift shop donations, with added touches from the designer’s own collections. Additionally, unlike traditional showhouses, every item in the ARF designer showhouse will be for sale.

Guests can shop around the rooms, seeing as everything is for sale, while dining on and hors d’oeuvres donated by the Dancing Gourmet and wine donated by Channing Daughters Winery, or possibly chat around the festive vodka bar. The atmosphere can be of the guests choosing. They can enjoy a variety of themes such as “50 Shades of…Grey” from Elizabeth Dow, famous for her hand painted wall coverings and textiles, or perhaps something a little less risqué for your tasted would be the “Party for Two” room in the Persimmon Room created by Preston Phillips, distinguished architect who designed the first LEED Certified Townhouse in New York City as well as the critically acclaimed East Hampton Butterfly House. For a more natural surrounding, guests can visit Ann and Susan Madonia’s relaxing sun porch to kick back before pre-dinner cocktails in “A Quiet Summer Interlude.” Guests can follow their relaxed senses into “Sagaponack Serenity” by James Huniford, an Architectural Digest selected “Top 100 Designers” pick. For something a little more whimsical that mixes high glam, old world and new world, peek in on the vignette “Little Edie’s Boudoir,“ created by Annie M. Napoliello. And don’t forget to visit Barbara Ostrom’s casual living room/dinning room experience.

Not forgetting the most important part of the evening being the animals that the showhouse will be benefiting, there will be a few furry friends from the ARF that are looking for homes at the event. All proceeds made at the party and in the following two days where the exhibit will be open to the public, will benefit ARF.

“The idea that there are endless new opportunities for things which once seemed old is an important theme for this evening. The Thrift Shop is an amazing space and we’re hoping our designs help showcase how thrift store pieces can be used creatively in any home,” said event chair and interior designer Sandra McConnell.

The Cocktail party, for which tickets must be purchased, will open the event on Saturday, May 25 from 6 to 8 p.m., with an exclusive preview party beginning at 5 p.m. The event opens to the public on Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be open through Monday, May 27. All purchased items will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, May 28.

The ARF Thrift and Treasure Shop is located at 17 Montauk Highway in Sagaponack.

For tickets visit www.arfhamptons.org.