Mark your calendars! On Saturday, June 28th, Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center will host its highly anticipated annual Summer Benefit with the theme “Tiny Feet, Big Futures,” highlighting the importance of formative years in children’s development. Founded in 1969, Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center is the only licensed non profit childcare center on Eastern Long Island, a region considered a “childcare desert.” The center has long provided high-quality early education as well as support for working families, and fundraising events like the Summer Benefit are crucial in maintaining the center’s affordable fees. 

This year’s Summer Benefit will take place at historic Mulford Farm in East Hampton from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The festivities will feature live music from Brooklyn-based Americana band Pete & the Stray Dogs and a silent auction with ultra rare items, such as a Magnum of Lafite Rothschild. Additionally, guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a raw bar from Annie Washburn’s East Hampton Kitchen paired with wine and cocktails from Wolffer Wines and Domaine Franey. 

A highlight of the evening will be a special mural of the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center campus created by notable East Hampton artist Abigail Vogel. The mural will be on display at the event, where guests can purchase and place tiny footprints with their names to support the center. 

A key part of the evening is the awarding of the Eleanor Prize, which is presented to an individual who embodies Eleanor Whitmore’s legacy of generosity and community care. This year’s recipient is former East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc, who championed the center both in and out of the office – from securing town funding to reading to the kids and cheering on pre-K grads. 

For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, click here. 

–  By Patricia Sotos