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Baldwin Lays Quarter Mil on Library

In the past six months, the actor has donated at least $750,000 to East Hampton organizations.

 

Actor and Amagansett resident Alec Baldwin has donated $250,000 to the East Hampton Library's soon-to-be constructed children's wing addition.

In the past six months, Baldwin has given at least $750,000 to East Hampton organizations.

Baldwin donated $250,000 to Guild Hall, which provides performances, films, readings and exhibitions in East Hampton, along with arts education in schools and other activities, in May.

According to a statement from him at the time, he was donating all of the proceeds from a Capital One commercial and Guild Hall was just one of the recipients; The New York Philharmonic, the Roundabout Theater and the Hamptons International Film Festival were also named as beneficiaries, though the amounts were not then known.

In July, the film festival announced Baldwin had turned over another $250,000 to the East Hampton-based festival, of which he is on the board of directors.

According to a statement from the library that was received on Tuesday night, Baldwin's donation also originates from the proceeds of his advetising campaign for Capital One Bank’s Venture Rewards credit card. "He has earmarked all of the proceeds from the promotion to the funding of arts and cultural organizations," it said.

This isn't the first time Baldwin has donated to the library. In 2010, he gave $25,000, earmarked for the new addition.

He serves as the honorary co-chair of the library's Children’s Addition Committee, and is a co-founding chair of the library's well-attended "Authors Night" fundraising event in the summer. It was actually at that event on Aug. 13 when Baldwin revealed his plans to the library board of managers Chairman Tom Twomey, the statement added.

The library's new addition, which has been the subject of much debate in East Hampton over the years, will add more than 2,000 square feet to the existing children’s room. In May, eight years after the process to build a children's wing began, the New York State Supreme Court overturned the village's decision in a landmark ruling.

More than 10,000 children’s books will be added, in addition to new computers, seating, and other age-appropriate amenities. The addition will also make the entire library handicapped accessible with a second elevator and there will be 16 more parking spaces on the property post-construction.

“Over the last several years, Alec has been a tremendous supporter of the East Hampton Library,” said library executive director Dennis Fabiszak. “We greatly appreciate this generous donation for the library’s Children’s Addition, which will enable us in our ongoing mission to continue to provide outstanding library services to the East Hampton community.”

According to the library, construction is expected to start in the spring of 2012, with a completion date of late spring 2013. In May, the board said it had raised about $4 million, half of what was needed for the construction.

Related Topics: Alec Baldwin Capital One commercial, East Hampton Library decision, and alec baldwin

Lynn Kaplan

10:53 am on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Mr. Baldwin puts his money where his heart is and I have tremendous respect for him. It is just too bad that when Barbara Barri from East End Radio, which was a station only for non-profits, like Elsa's Ark, ARF and FIghting Chance, asked for help, she got none and had to close this wonderful station down. What a shame for the East End.

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Loretta Lynch

11:46 am on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

I am not really a fan of Mr. Baldwin and when I heard he was supporting the Wall Street Protesters I laughted because of his Capital One Bank’s Venture Rewards card. BIG MONEY MAKES MONEY. Now I read he is donating $250,000 to the Library and Alex, if that's your way to to help East Hampton I will change my tune. My children, grandchildren and great granddaughter use the library on a regular basis. So I will thank you even though we don't agree on some issues. God Bless

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Gail Simons

1:36 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

I totally agree, Mrs. Lynch! I thought the same thing! Keifer Sutherland is the voice of Bank of America, too. Hopefully they'll do the ethical thing & pull out of those commercials. I do think that Mr. Baldwin is a big supporter of our local community, I believe he's been involved with other things, as well (such as the East Hampton Daycare).

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Katy Casey

2:08 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Capital One Bank's investors are likely not among the top 1% that Occupy Wall Street is protesting. Neither is Mr. Baldwin, believe it or not, although he seems to be enjoying a very profitable and happy renaissance both professionally and personally (congratulations to him.) For the last 2 weeks the Independent's J de la F has clawed and spit at OWS, criticizing in particular Susan Sarandon. For all her hard work and longevity, she, too, is no where near the income level that is causing the national economy to languish. In comparison, Baldwin and Sarandon are small potatoes. But they use their celebrity for the common good and for that I am grateful. So, thanks!

Carrie Ann Salvi

12:48 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

I love this man. Once again, I am impressed with your character. Thank you Alec!

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PATRIOT

3:43 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Alec Baldwin For Supervisor ..
??????
Regardless ; he's the man !

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PATRIOT

3:46 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Alec shows again his generosity ...
Cheers to you Big Guy !

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Penny Benbenek

6:48 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Add me to the online "thank you" card. Say what you will, there's always someone with a crab on their cushion. I don't understand this town. There's always a "but" at the end of a compliment. Can't we just appreciate Mr. Baldwin's generosity & be done with it? It's his dime, he can spend it however he wants & our community is lucky to have his attention & $upport.

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Christine Mcspedon

8:40 am on Thursday, November 3, 2011

thank you,
supporting the children is a worthy cause, shows you are a good hearted man : )

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Deborah Kusa

7:29 pm on Friday, November 4, 2011

East Hampton is Very Lucky Indeed to have a patron of the arts and letters in Alec Baldwin. "Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover" There may very well be a fine read inside!

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Michele

12:59 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2011

I can only say thank you!
He is amazing.
We should all learn from his gifting.

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