GROUP FOR THE EAST END: "Where the Wild Things" Summer Benefit

SAGAPONACK - JUNE 27: GROUP FOR THE EAST END: "Where the Wild Things" Summer Benefit on Saturday, July 27, 2015 at Wolffer Estate Vineyard, 183 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, New York. GROUP FOR THE EAST END RAISES OVER $500,000 TO PROTECT ENDANGERED WILDLIFE June 29, 2015 Southold, NY–On Saturday, June 27, 2015 over 250 guests came out to support the Group for the East End’s Where the Wild Things... benefit at the breathtaking Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, NY. The Group, joined by co-chairs Katherine & Marco Birch, Kristen & Clark Briner, Carolyn & Greg Hoogkamp, Genevieve & Robert Lynch, Deni & Bill McChesney and Kim White & Kurt Wolfgruber, raised $500,000 to help protect endangered wildlife on the East End. Guests enjoyed delicious locally inspired fare prepared by award-winningchef Noah Schwartzof Noah’sand delectable wines from Wölffer, created by winemaker and partner, Roman Roth. At the helm of the live auction, was auctioneer Mariana Gantus,who dazzled the audience with seven priceless East End experiences. Following theexciting live auction,guests danced the night away to tunes by powerhouse DJ Mad Marj. Funds raised from the event will help generate awareness and protect the region’s vanishing wildlife. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a report in December stating there are 185 species that will be locally extinct in ten years unless urgent action is taken. Most –including box turtles, short-eared owls, bay scallops and hard clams –are on the East End. “We have a choice –protect the nature of this very special place or allow it to be ruined. We are learning from the declining wildlife species that we need to be better stewards of the land, the water –the entire East End,” stated Katherine Birch, Benefit Co-Chair. For more than 43 years, Group for the East End has served as eastern Long Island’s full-time professional advocate for conservation. The Group is widely recognized and respected for its work to protect the East End environment by advancing realistic solutionsto complex environmental problems, mobilizing informed citizens, educating future leaders, and challenging irresponsible development that impacts our quality of life and community character. For more information on Group for the East End,please visit: groupfortheeastend.org PHOTOS Courtesy of Beth Bobek, Events by Beth, LLC / Tel: 203-524-4889) / Beth@EventsbyBeth.com / www.EventsbyBeth.com