Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center will host its summer benefit on Saturday, June 28, from 5:30 to 8 PM, at Mulford Farm in East Hampton.
This year’s theme, “Tiny Feet, Big Futures,” speaks to the importance of the early years in a child’s development and the lasting impression these experiences have on young children as they grow. With the community’s support, the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center continues to grow and add programming to further its mission to provide high-quality early education and support for working families in our socially and economically diverse community.
Founded in 1969, Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center is the only licensed, non-profit childcare center on Eastern Long Island, addressing the critical need for affordable childcare and high-quality early education in a region considered a “childcare desert.” Fundraising events, such as the summer benefit, are crucial in maintaining the center’s affordability, as its fees are among the lowest in Suffolk County.
An evening of community, cocktails, and appreciation, the summer benefit will feature live music from Pete & the Stray Dogs, a Brooklyn-based Americana band, a silent auction featuring exciting prizes, and hors d’oeuvres and a raw bar from Annie Washburn’s East Hampton Kitchen paired with wine and cocktails provided by Wolffer Wines and Domaine Franey. The auction will go live mid-June and includes a rare opportunity to purchase a Magnum of Lafite Rothschild. As well, noted East Hampton artist Abigail Vogel has created a beautiful mural of the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center campus, which will be on display at the event. Guests will be able to purchase and place tiny footprints with their names on the mural to support the center.
A key highlight of the evening is the awarding of the Eleanor Prize. In 2024, the center established the Prize to keep Eleanor Whitmore’s legacy alive. This annual prize is given to an individual and/or business that exemplifies the spirit and good work of Eleanor and is awarded for dual roles in making a significant positive impact on children in our East End community and for supporting working families. Joe Gurrera of Citarella was awarded the Eleanor Prize last year.
This year, the Eleanor Prize will go to Peter Van Scoyoc. The Center’s Board and Executive Director selected to honor Peter not only for his leadership in securing Town financial support for the Center enabling more childcare for more families, but also as Supervisor Peter gave the center a platform to help communicate the vital role that affordable childcare plays in the community for businesses and the future. In addition to his public support while in office, Peter took time to visit the Center and read to the children, as well as participate in countless “Moving Up” ceremonies as the pre-K children graduated to enter Kindergarten.
“Peter’s understanding of our community’s needs, especially what working families are up against day-to-day, completely transformed how people see the Center. We went from being thought of as just ‘that sweet little daycare down the street’ to being recognized as a vital resource for the community,” said Tim Frazier, EWECC Executive Director.
EWECC Board Co-Chair Laurie Malman added, “We are deeply grateful for a leader who understands that investing in our children is investing in our future. I firmly believe that his unwavering support for early childhood education will create opportunities that will shape young lives for generations to come.”
Peter served three terms as East Hampton Town Supervisor. With family roots dating back to the 1700s in East Hampton, Peter has a passion and dedication to his home community. “I am honored to receive the Eleanor Whitmore prize. Eleanor was so generous in her giving of herself to our community and to the Center which bears her name. Her selfless dedication to bettering our children’s future is a beautiful example of the positive way in which each one of us can improve the lives of those with whom we share this place.”
Peter continued, “The Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Development Center plays a crucial role in our community by offering working families access to programs and curriculum that help young children learn social and intellectual skills in a safe and welcoming environment. I believe we can all feel proud when supporting this important organization.”
Tickets are $250 or $150 for those under 40. Visit https://onecau.se/summerbenefit for more information and to purchase tickets.