Cash Mob East End Plans A Hit In Sag Harbor

Do not alert the authorities but do drop by an ATM in Sag Harbor on Sunday, May 6, 2012, and be part of the first East End Cash Mob. Organizer Laura Houston, an East Hampton native, read a New York Times article about a cash mob in Buffalo last year and was inspired to bring the community outreach idea to Sag Harbor and Cash Mob East End was born.

Logo design by East Hampton resident Jill Kampf.

What is a Cash Mob? The idea is simple, organize a few hundred people to arrive at a local business with the goal of spending $20. By and large $20 is not much but when multiplied by about 100 shoppers the movement changes a slow business day into a boom that could help pay the rent on Main Street.

Attorney Andrew Samtoy came up with the idea in Cleveland, Ohio and organized the community to support local businesses in November 2011. Though not the first one with the idea, a group organized by blogger Christopher Smith in Buffalo, NY held a "cash mob" in August 2011, he has gained the most media attention. Houston spoke to Samtoy who directed her to Terri Hall at the Southampton School District. Hall had successfully organized the social movement in Bellport and offered her assistance.

Similar in nature to a flash mob, this Sunday's cash mob will no doubt be a party of sorts. Participants are begin asked to wear costumes and signs and assemble at the Sag Harbor Windmill on Long Wharf at 3:00 p.m. From there they will be told the location of the store and the shopping frenzy can begin - up until then it will be a secret though the store owners have been notified in advance so they can stock up.

What party in the Hamptons ends without an after-party? Well not this one to be sure. Staying in Sag Harbor everyone involved has been invited to head over to the newly opened Muse in the Harbor restaurant by Chef/Owner Matthew Guiffrida for appetizers and drink specials.

Head over to Facebook and "LIKE" Facebook.com/CashMobEastEnd for the up-to-the-minute scoop.