Hamptons style icon Joey Wölffer, who founded Joey Wölffer – a Sag Harbor and Palm Beach retail destination inspired by the areas’ creative spirit – and co-owns Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Wölffer Kitchen, is utilizing her fashionable expertise to raise funds for a vital community resource.
Wölffer recently launched the Wölffer Girls line as a way to support our local community, with 100 percent of the brand’s proceeds supporting Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center (BHCCRC).
“My girls and I started making indigo and tie-dye t-shirts when the quarantine first began,” Wölffer explained. “It was therapeutic and fun, and got me out of my depression and anxiety during the transition from our ‘normal life.'”
The collection features a variety of tie-dye pieces, including tee shirts, hoodies, and even a onesie.
“With the help of a mentor and friend, I realized it was a good time for me to take on one project and do it with all my energy,” Wölffer noted. “I knew I wanted to make it a charitable project. We spend so much time working on ourselves, and this is the time to give to others.”
For Wölffer, who has two little girls of her own, championing the Center was a no-brainer. “The Bridgehampton Child Care Center is an essential part of the Hamptons community,” Wölffer reflected. “They support working families and provide them with childcare/meals and FUN for their children. These families are struggling right now, they need our help.”
The Center, which has been in crisis mode since Monday, March 16, not only offers educational support, but also provides assistance through its food pantry. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, the food pantry aided families once a month. Now, it is supplying food to families twice a week.
“Since taking on the role of Chairperson late last year, I have been focused on raising awareness of the Center and its breadth of programming for the children in our community,” Gia de Picciotto, Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center Chairperson, explained. “At the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, the Center has been at the center of the community serving hundreds of families.”
BHCCRC has switched to online learning, offering homework help, learning games, and other programs – with an emphasis on math and reading. The Center is hosting its Scrabble and Chess Clubs again, virtually, of course.
The Center is incredibly grateful for the backing from Wölffer. “Joey Wolffer is one of the most compassionate mother, friend, entrepreneur and businesswoman who is always at the center of the Hamptons community whether she is near or far,” de Picciotto noted. “When I saw what she was creating for fun with her children, I asked her if she would be interested in supporting the Center. I think it took three seconds for her to say yes, a week to get up and running and sold out with a wait-list. The Center could not be more grateful and trusts this is the beginning of an impactful relationship.”
This month the Center’s D.R.E.A.M. Team launched ZOOM meetings – open to all teens. The April 2020 theme is “You’ve Gotta Keep Your Head Up.” The talks commenced on Sunday, April 19 with a Virtual Murder Mystery Game. The series will continue with “You’ve Gotta Keep Your Head Up” on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. (Zoom: Meeting ID/941 2190 3098; Dial In: 1-646-558-8656; Password: 031138). The evening will feature special guest, Young Executive CEO Carl Michel. On Sunday, April 26 at 5 p.m., the gathering will focus on “Talk Those Sports” with R.A.M. Academy CEO John Ramsey (Zoom: Meeting ID/931 0023 3659; Dial In: 1-646-558-8656; Password:0880445). On Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. the session will revolve around “Social and Emotional Intelligence” with Leaders In Pink Creator & Facilitator Hannika Shellings (Zoom: Meeting ID/961 3357 1491; Dial In: 1-646-558-8656; Password: 030624). Sunday, May 3 at 5p.m. will focus on “Motivational Sunday” with L.I.T. CEO & Founder Travis Wilkins (Zoom: Meeting ID/ 981 9609 3388; Dial In: 1-646-558-8656; Password: 042886).
BHCCRC has also added a Coronavirus Resources page to its website, which can be found at www.bhccrc.org/covid-19resources.
“This is a way for my family to give back to those who make our community what it is,” Wölffer added.
The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center was established “out of tragedy in 1949 when a migrant camp fire killed two children of seasonal farm workers.” The not-for-profit serves the East End community, with a focus on the lower income African-American and growing Latino community. Its mission is to “deliver the highest quality educational and recreational programs to local children, youth and their families.”
To view the Wolffer Girls, visit joeywolffer.com. For more information about Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, visit www.bhccrc.org.