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The Retreat, an East End nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse, is marking its 30th anniversary at its annual All Against Abuse gala on Saturday, June 17, at 6:30 pm at the Ross School Field House in Bridgehampton.
In 1996, hundreds of famous and local participating artists created and donated one-of-a-kind, beautiful plates that were auctioned and sold to the highest bidder. “We thought that plates would be a good idea, something novel that would allow everyone a chance to buy artwork,” explained New York University Professor and photographer Ann Chwatsky, who helped coordinate the auction. “The plates became a symbol of support for The Retreat—both for the creators and the buyers.”
Though originally a plate auction, over the years the event grew into something much larger: a celebration of The Retreat’s partnership with the community. Previously called Artists Against Abuse, in 2015 the gala was renamed All Against Abuse, to clarify all people are encouraged to get involved—not only artists.
The theme of this year’s gala is “A Night in Havana,” featuring live music, salsa dancers, food, Monte Carlo-style gaming tables, celebrities, and stories of survival. Jacques Pepin, April Gornik and Peter Dayton are among artists bringing back the plate auction tradition with their hand-painted ceramic plates.
Proceeds raised at the gala will support the continuation of The Retreat’s programs, which include a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, emergency residential shelter and in-school violence prevention education.
Tickets are $500, or $250 for “juniors” under 40. Call 631-329-4398 or visit retreatgala.org.
on Jun 13, 2017