ROCK THE DOCK... a Big Night for Bay Street's Biggest Fundraiser of the Year!
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Photos by Barry Gordin
GREAT PARTY FOR A GREAT CAUSE
AT BAY STREET THEATRE’S
ROCK THE DOCK! SUMMER BENEFIT BASH
Bay Street Theatre showed the Hamptons a fantastic party on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at its annual Rock The Dock Summer Benefit Bash. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour and silent auction, while guests arrived dressed to party on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor.
Special guests included Bay Street Board Members Chris Bauer (True Blood) and Broadway, film and television actress Mercedes Ruehl; Tony award winner and star of the upcoming BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES Lillias White, and the show’s writer and director Paul Levine; legendary actors Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson and their daughter Roberta Wallach; Aida Turturro (The Sopranos); playwright of Bay Street’s current running play MEN’S LIVE Joe Pintauro; Robert Zimmerman; Lorraine Boyle; Stephen Flaherty and many more of the Hamptons’ best. The waterfront benefit is held annually, and it is the theatre’s biggest fundraiser of the year!
After the cocktail hour, Artistic Director Murphy Davis was the master of ceremonies. The night started off with a special thanks to Frank Filipo, Bay Street’s Board Chairman, for being, as Davis describes as " Bay Street’s most gracious supporter and biggest cheerleader" throughout the years. Chris Bauer also came to the stage and said "You have picked a winner if you’re supporting Bay Street Theatre. Thank you for your money, support, and applause."
Guests were asked to compete in groups at their tables donating to the theatre’s Literature Live fund. The Summer Benefit Bash supports Literature Live, kids’ camps, college internships, and other educational programs that keep Bay Street as a cultural gem in Sag Harbor.
Immediately following, Tony award winner Lillias White brought down the house, as she performed three songs including "Candy" as a teaser to the one woman show BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES. Bay Street and their audience were also happy to present Ms. White with the "Happy Birthday" song and a birthday cake, as the event coincided with Ms. White’s birthday. Davis also officiated over an exciting live auction as guests bid on everything from a walk on role in the theatre’s 2012 season closer BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES, a luxurious St. Bart’s vacation provided by Wimco Villas, VIP Yankees tickets, golf with Richard Kind at The Bridge and the East Hampton Country Club, incredible getaways to New York City, Miami, New Orleans and the Dominican Republic, catered cocktail party for 25, and a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo!
Afterwards the winners of the live auction received complimentary champagne from the theater to celebrate their win. Guests feasted on a delicious tapas styled dinner under the tent on the water. Soon, everyone took to the dance floor to dance with the Hamptons’ hottest DJ Andrea Shapiro! The night was full of energy and high spirited!
The raffle drawing took place for the choice of either the 2012 Mini Cooper Convertible or $18,000 in cash. The winner was drawn by Jay Decker from BMW Southampton, also the provider of the car. The winner was Denise DeAngelo of Baiting Hollow, NY. She was not present to win.
Gift bags included items from L’Oreal, Colgate/Palmolive, Dirty Blonde Cocktails, and Bai by Snapple among others gifts. The ALL NEW after party at B. Smith’s immediately followed, so that guests could keep the party going.. The dancing continued and guests celebrated raising money for their local non profit!
Bay Street Theatre’s Summer Benefit would not have been possible without its fabulous sponsors this year that included: Bai Brands, BMW Southampton, The Bridge, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, Dan’s Papers, Diplomatico Rum, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papgayo, Fresco by Scotto, Party Rentals Ltd, PCH Builders and Property Management, Peconic Landing, Searles Graphics, Soho Grand Hotel, Southampton Publick House, Sterling Affair Caterers, Suffolk County National Bank, The Today Show and Wimco Villas. The silent auction was sponsored by over 75 local shops and restaurants. Interested sponsors for next year should contact the Development Office at 631-725-0818.
Posted: July 22, 2012
