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Schools

Locals Raise $20,000 for After-School Programs

The weather didn't dampen support for Project MOST and Springs Seedlings.

More than 175 Project MOST and Springs Seedlings supporters and one live mermaid braved ominous weather to raise about $20,000 for the programs on Friday.

With music by Nancy Atlas Project and tastings from local restaurants, gourmet shops, and vineyards, the third annual benefit at East Hampton Indoor Tennis.

“Despite the weather, the night was a great success,” said Rebecca Morgan, program coordinator at “We had a dedicated group of people working on the event who created a wonderful evening. The amount of community support from local businesses and restaurants truly made it a spectacular night.”

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Morgan estimates said approximately $20,000 was raised for the after-school programs serving the East Hampton and Springs school districts that are facing $241,000 in state budget cuts.

Local officials East Hampton Town Justice Lisa Rana, Councilman Dominick Stanzione, newly-elected school board member Jackie Lowey, and candidates for the fall town board elections like Sylvia Overby, Peter Van Scoyoc and Richard Haeg, came out to show their support.

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“With our community hosting so many benefits this time of year, it is really special that a local not-for-profit whose mission is to serve our own children is beneficiary of an event as awesome as this,” said Dermot Dolan of State Farm Insurance, a key sponsor of the Taste of Land and Sea event.

“The event reflects what is best about our community, local businesses and many great volunteers giving so freely their time and resources. Few, if any local not-for-profits have such a significant & wide ranging positive impact on the quality of life in our community.”

“All the children of our community deserve a community in which they can find enriching resources to grow and learn,” said Project MOST executive director Tim Bryden.

“The work and support of so many people for Project MOST and the Springs Seedlings is making that happen," he said.

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