“Show Time In Southampton” Drive-In Movie Series To Support The Fight Against Food Insecurity

While many summer activities have been sidelined because of safely concerns, one social distancing friendly option that has quickly become a favorite is the drive-in movie.

All For The East End (AFTEE) is hosting “Show Time in Southampton” – AFTEE’s First Ever Drive-In Movie & Concert Series – in support of community members in need.

“All For The East End has been working with local food pantries and other non-profits to feed the need in our community,” Claudia Pilato, AFTEE Board President, relayed. “We have provided 45 grants to organizations across the 5 East End Towns who are dealing with the issues of food instability on a daily basis.”

“Show Time in Southampton” will debut on Friday, July 17 with Men in Black. Additional screenings will feature Dirty Dancing (Saturday, July 18), Raiders of the Lost Ark (Friday, July 24), Rocky (Saturday, July 25), Transformers (Friday, July 31) and Jurassic Park (Saturday, August 1). At the moment, AFTEE only has films scheduled, but hopes to add a few concerts to the series’ programming.

“AFTEE put together its Drive-In Movie series for several reasons: We all need a family night out and a safe way to come together for a bit of summer fun,” Pilato noted.

Screenings will be held at the Elks Lodge in Southampton. Movie-goers will be able to enjoy the film within their own individual tailgate, safety zone. “Every ticket not only provides a space for a car, but a second space for sitting out side the car – safely distant from the next family,” she said.

“The movies are a great way to remind the community that the challenges caused by the pandemic are far from over,” she shared. “If jobs don’t return and unemployment ends, families will continue to struggle to put food on their tables, not to mention other challenges.”

In response to the pandemic, AFTEE quickly ramped up its efforts. As food insecurity skyrocketed across the nation, East End food pantries began seeing unprecedented numbers of individuals seeking assistance and mounting costs to keep up with the demand. Through generous donations, AFTEE has been able to provide vital relief to both established food pantries and pop-up pantries through more than 40 grants, which have helped the pantries feed thousands. As this issue is unfortunately not going away any time soon, AFTEE remains committed to championing these essential organizations.

“The Drive-In Series reminds everyone that AFTEE is all about community… One Community, One Purpose to work together to address issues caused by the pandemic,” Pilato stated. “And we continue to need funding. So every ticket helps.”

Tickets range from $25 to $200 per car. Screenings will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Proceeds from the series will support local non-profits and food pantries.

“And we also want to thank the pantries. Every movie has four spots reserved for pantry directors, staff or volunteers,” she concluded.

The Elks Lodge is located at 605 County Road 39 in Southampton. For more information, visit www.aftee.org.