We believe the children are the future.
And because of the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center (1 Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton, 631-324-5560), that future is a little bit brighter.
This Saturday, June 28, starting at 5:30 p.m., the nonprofit will hold its annual summer fundraiser at Mulford Farm (10 James Lane, East Hampton), set with a theme of “Tiny Feet, Big Futures,” as it speaks to the importance of a child’s years of development along with the lasting impression early experiences have on them as they continue to grow.
Originally founded in 1969 and then later named for late Amagansett resident, philanthropist and education advocate Eleanor Whitmore, the center is the only licensed, nonprofit childcare center on the East End. Its mission is to provide affordable and comprehensive early childhood education and support for kids in working families, ranging from those aged 18 months up to 5 years old. With a focus on increasing literacy
“Right now, we have the lowest tuition rate in Suffolk County for an early childhood center,” says Tim Frazier, executive director of the center for the past five years. “We’re licensed by the state of New York, which is not an easy thing to do and to maintain. I’m learning more about it every day because of the requirements they have to make it safe and make it a place where children can grow and learn without having to worry about other kinds of things.”
Festivities for Saturday include a raw bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a bluegrass band, silent auction and more. (Photo credit: Julie Froehlich)
Saturday’s event is sure to be a night of community, cocktails and childcare appreciation, featuring live music from Pete & the Stray Dogs, a Brooklyn-based Americana band, a silent auction featuring exciting prizes, and hors d’oeuvres and a raw bar from Annie Washburn’s East Hampton Kitchen paired with wine and cocktails provided by Wölffer Wines and East Hampton boutique wine and spirits shop Domaine Franey.
A major highlight of will be the awarding of the Eleanor Prize, now in its second year. When Whitmore passed away in 2023, Frazier says, to honor her, the center’s board decided to develop an award that would be given at the annual summer benefit for an individual or organization that continually supported children in this community. Last year, the first recipient was Joe Gurerra, owner at Citarella. This year, the recipient will be former East Hampton Town supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc.
“Peter’s understanding of our community’s needs, especially what working families are up against day-to-day, completely transformed how people see the center,” Frazier says. “We went from being thought of as just that sweet little daycare down the street to being recognized as a vital resource for the community. When he was in the position as a town supervisor, he really supported us in some tough times, and was always here for events, always reading to our kids and supporting us, and so we felt like he definitely fit the criteria for receiving [this year’s award].”
For over 50 years, the preschool has provided working families with a safe and affordable place for children ages five to 18 years old. (Photo credit: Julie Froehlich)
According to a press statement from the center, Van Scoyoc, who served three terms as East Hampton Town supervisor, has family roots that date back to the 1700s in East Hampton, firmly instilling a great passion and dedication to his home community.
“I am honored to receive the Eleanor Whitmore prize,” he says. “Eleanor was so generous in her giving of herself to our community and to the center which bears her name. Her selfless dedication to bettering our children’s future is a beautiful example of the positive way in which each one of us can improve the lives of those with whom we share this place.”
Tickets to the event are $250 or $150 for attendees under 40. Click here to snag yours.
