For its annual All Against Abuse Gala, The Retreat, the East End’s sole domestic violence agency, is bringing attendees on a magical journey to Cuba during its A Night in Havana-themed Hamptons soiree on Saturday, June 17.
Taking place at The Ross School Field House in Bridgehampton at 6:30 p.m., partygoers will enjoy a performance by Maria Bacardi, live salsa music with Mambo Loco, Monte Carlo Style Gaming by Great Neck Games, world renowned auctioneer and entertainer CK Swett, Cuban inspired dishes catered by Art of Eating, late night DJ dancing with East End Entertainment, incredible stories of survival from previous Retreat clients and more. The evening will also toast to The Retreat’s 30th anniversary.
“All Against Abuse is an important fundraiser for The Retreat but also an evening for all of us to come together and celebrate survivors and the incredible work provided over the last three decades,” explained Loretta K. Davis, Executive Director of The Retreat. “The Retreat would not exist without the support of our East End communities. We are so grateful.”
The event originated in 1996 as a “plate auction” where hundreds of notable and local participating artists created and donated one-of-a-kind, beautiful plates that were auctioned off. “We thought that plates would be a good idea, something novel that would allow everyone a chance to buy artwork,” noted Ann Chwatsky, who helped coordinate the premier auction. “It was amazing how many artists were happy to participate, even though the majority had never worked with ceramic glazes for the painting. The plates became a symbol of support for The Retreat – both for the creators and the buyers.”
Throughout the years, the benefit has transformed into a celebration of The Retreat’s partnership with the community, with The Retreat renaming the event from Artists Against Abuse to All Against Abuse in 2015.
The treasured “plate auction” will return to this year’s benefit with artists like Jacques Pepin, April Gornik, and Peter Dayton providing exquisite hand painted ceramic plates.
This year’s Honorary Committee will include Maria Bacardi, Joy Behar, Lorraine Bracco, Lisa Fontes, PhD, Kiran Gandhi, Kelsey Grammer, Bonnie Grice, Mariska Hargitay, Ann Liguori, James Lipton, Don McPherson, Kaitlin Olsen, Faith Popcorn, Mercedes Ruehl, Gloria Steinem, Leslie Morgan Steiner, and Beth Ostrosky Stern.
Over the past two decades, All Against Abuse has raised over $2.5 million in support of The Retreat’s mission to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and to break the cycle of family violence.
Attendees are encouraged to don festive attire with a Cuban flair.
Tickets begin at $500.
The Ross School Field House is located at 739 Butter Lane in Bridgehampton. For more information, call 631-329-4398 or visit www.theretreatinc.org.