Bridgehampton - On Saturday, March 7, the WITH Care organization hosted their "Art With Care" benefit cocktail party showcasing the work of local artists. The event was held at Ziggy's in Bridgehampton from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and included an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, William Falkenburg on the piano, and a silent art auction and raffle.

Participating artist William Falkenburg offered his musical talents as well for Saturday's event.

The WITH Care organization provides networking, enrichment and activism opportunities for women from vast socio-economic backgrounds, with special attention to the needs and interests of women and families on the East End, and is comprised of a group of talented and committed ladies whose efforts are making a difference and contribution to their community as evidenced by Saturday's turnout.

Kim Stengel, Delaney Oser, Jennifer McLauchlen, Darra Goldstein, Carol Price, Lois Oliveira, and Ginny Poveromo are the seven women who founded WITH Care in October of 2008.

Speaking with Oser, Oliveira, Goldstein and McLauchlen on Saturday evening, the ladies jointly expressed the group's commitment to their community.

Oser explained "We created this organization so that we could pave a way for women to band together to help other women [and perhaps themselves] in the communities we live in. We have 106 members and we began in October 2008. Our annual dues are $30, and we have no overhead or operating costs so the funds we raise can go directly to the community programs we align with [such as Have A Heart]."

Focusing on professional and personal growth and community involvement, Oliveira elaborated that "We are a diverse group of women coming together from different backgrounds and life experiences so that we can help other women in our community. Everything we do is on a volunteer, not-for-profit basis, and we have offered self-defense classes, yoga classes, wellness seminars and CPR training, as well as activities for children." She further commented that "I view this as an ages and stages opportunity for women in our community to help give back to the community we all live in."

Ziggy Attias shows his artwork, and also hosted the event at his Bridgehampton Restaurant - Ziggy's.

Large gift baskets containing many goodies donated by local merchants, as well as members of the organization were offered. McLauchlen was instrumental in gathering local artists to offer their work at a silent auction. The 50/50 auction offered encouragement to local artists to participate.

More than 25 artists participated in the silent art auction, and opening bids began in the $200 to $400 category. Among some of the well-known East End artists were Paton Miller, Terry Elkins, Trish Franey, Steve Rom, Jim Gingerich, Perry Burns, Tapp Franke, Jeff Muhs, Ruth Nasca, Fernando Vignoli, as well as the owner of Ziggy's - Ziggy Attias.

With tickets at $40 for members and $50 for non-members the large crowd was affirmation that WITH Care's goals seem to represent the same goals as many community members.

Oliveira summed up the intention of the WITH Care organization by stating "We are other people's mothers and daughters coming together so that we may all have an even playing field."

 • To learn more about WITH Care visit www.withcareinfo@gmail.com