Photos and Video: Talkhouse Crowd Crowns Mr. Amagansett

Friends and supporters gathered at the on Friday night to remember the popular Amagansett resident Don Sharkey and to raise money, $5,000 by the end of the night, for memorial fund in his name by crowning a winner of the Mr. Amagansett Pageant.

When Sharkey died in July 2009 he was the , a member of the , and a friend to many, including Peter Honerkamp, managing partner at the Talkhouse. To remember his humorous spirit and community minded philosophy, the Donald T. Sharkey Community Memorial Fund was created, as was the Mr. Amagansett Pageant.

Hysterical laughter filled the Talkhouse for the second (possibly) annual event.  Among the notable moments was Nick Kraus' fierce film competition with Honerkamp. Kraus showed his passion for Amagansett and strong recommendations from artists such as Richie Havens, who said "If it wasn't for Nick, there wouldn't have been a Woodstock."

He also had his third grade teacher explain how he always talked about this "Amagansett," but she and his classmates were not sure if it was really a place or something to eat. Meanwhile Honerkamp's film focused more on his popularity with the ladies, and his ability to win a staring contest with a stuffed animal.

Due to "tampering" with the judges, Honerkamp was disqualified, and Ken Wessberg, who represented the was ultimately crowned Mr. Amagansett.

Patty Sales said $5,000 was raised for the memorial fund on Friday night. Benefiting from the evening's antics include individuals in need and community-minded projects such as scholarship opportunities for local students, funds for local fire departments, and the Wounded Warrior Project.  That's the way Sharkey would have wanted it, his friends in attendance agreed. Donations can still be made through his website.