The Retreat’s 3rd Annual “Hamptons Pursuit Car Rallye” is less than one month away!  It is time to dust off that cool car of yours and get it ready for the rallye on August 22nd!    

Listen to the Car Rallye Radio Ad

This year the event will start at the Retreat Boutique in the Bridgehampton Commons.  Hampton Coffee Company is generously donating all the continental breakfast for you to enjoy prior to the “shot-gun” start.  

The first 20 Drivers* to sign up and pay will receive a red Ferrari Hat * Hurry only a few are left!
 
The finish line will be at a waterside home where we will be serving lunch.  Prizes will be awarded to the entrant that finishes first as long as they have all the checkpoint stamps, as well as the cars that have the most trivial questions answered correctly.

Download the registration form here http://www.theretreatinc.org/admin/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Road-Rallye-Business-Sponsorship-and-Registration2.pdf

SPONSORS:

Town Board  |  Retreat director updates town on growing problem and need to support East End shelter


BY CARA LORIZ | EDITOR
  From the Shelter Island Reporter

Jeff Friedman, executive director of the Retreat, explained the rise in domestic violence and the effort to raise awareness of it on Shelter Island, including a large presence at the Shelter Island 10K run.

Domestic violence is on the rise on Shelter Island and across eastern Long Island and the only domestic violence shelter on the East End needs as much community support as it can get.


That was the message Jeff Friedman, executive director of the Retreat, an East Hampton nonprofit organization, delivered to the Town Board at Tuesday‘s weekly work session. The Retreat’s 18-bed facility is the only domestic violence shelter on the East End, compared to over 20 animal shelters, and half of its beds are occupied by children under 14. Demands for the shelter and the Retreat’s counseling and advocacy services rose dramatically during the past 18 months of recession, and, like the economy, the situation is not improving quickly.


“The trends we’ve been seeing, we are concerned about,” Mr. Friedman said. Domestic violence calls overall have increased by 56 percent, and last year alone, 26 domestic violence incidents were reported on Shelter Island. “It’s very disturbing,” he commented.


Mr. Friedman explained that nonprofit organizations have been impacted by the recession in different ways but that the loss of jobs and the threat of home foreclosures has meant that “family stress has been at an all-time high. It’s a recipe for increased violence; we’ve been surprised at how much.”


The Retreat continually reaches out to town governments and works closely with local police departments. 


Copies of police reports on all domestic violence incidents occurring on the East End are sent to the Retreat and it provides outreach to those victims.


Shelter Island is seeing an increase in domestic violence, but because of confidentiality issues, not every case is apparent from reading the police blotter, Mr. Friedman explained. “But you can read between the lines.”


Mr. Friedman and Barbara Olton, a Shelter Island resident and president of the Retreat Board of Directors, are on a campaign to raise awareness of the Retreat on Shelter Island through fundraising and outreach events. A group of more than 20 Retreat supporters ran in the Shelter Island 10K wearing shirts with the Retreat logo.


“People from Shelter Island are calling our hotline and accessing our services,” Mr. Friedman said, including one call the day after the 10K.


“Because we don’t have a physical presence here, people forget that we provide services for Shelter Island,” the Retreat director told the board. But he added that not having a facility here is an advantage. “The first thing we want to do is get victims as far away as we can from the abuser.” The exact location of the shelter is not available to the public.


At least 90 percent of those abusers are men. “Taking care of the women and children in our community has to be a priority,” Mr. Friedman said. When domestic violence is occurring or threatened, the police should be called first, Mr. Friedman and Police Chief Jim Read advised. Outreach from the Retreat will follow.


But families can call the Retreat’s 24-hour hotline at 329-2200 anytime to anonymously reach out for help and many do, Ms. Olton said, to set up counseling appointments.


Councilwoman Chris Lewis commented that domestic abuse is not a problem “relegated to the ranks of the poor.”


Abuse crosses all socio-economic lines, Mr. Friedman explained, some families are on public assistance, some are affluent.


One of the solutions to domestic violence is prevention and the Retreat was recently awarded a grant from the Shelter Island Educational Foundation for programming at the Shelter Island School focused on preventing bullying and other abuse. More than half of the boys who grow up to be abusive, experienced domestic violence in their childhood homes, Mr. Friedman said. He added that 70 to 80 percent of abuse involves alcohol or drug use.


“I know you always need funds,” Ms. Lewis said, “but are there other things that are useful to the facility?”


Mr. Friedman said that donations of time are always needed and that gently used items may be donated to the Retreat’s thrift store at Bridgehampton Commons. Supporters are also encouraged to hold small events to raise awareness of the Retreat.


For more information on the Retreat, visit its website at theretreatinc.org.


The Retreat at a glance



24-hour hotline: 329-2200


Services: 18-bed shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, police incident response, referrals, prevention, in-school programs and more.


How many served: In 2009, a total of 1,016 clients were served with 51 women and 60 children sheltered.

How the shelter works: Suffolk County funds sheltering and approves individuals for 90 days of residency with possible extensions of 45 days.


Staff: 35 full and part-time employees and many volunteers.


Annual budget $2.3 million; approximately 56 percent of operating expenses are covered by individual donations.


http://www.sireporter.com/news-articles/2468/2468-Domestic-violence-going-up-as-economy-strains%C3%83%C2%A2%C3%82%E2%82%AC%C3%82%C2%A9.html

Everyone will be able to tell their road stories at the finish line with good food donated from multiple local restaurants.  Proceeds from the Road Rallye will directly benefit the Retreat.   To find out how to become a participant in this event or a sponsor, please contact the development team at the Retreat 631.329.4398 or heather@theretreatinc.org.  Download the rallye registration form here or if you are interested in donating an item to the silent auction downlad the Donation Form

WHERE: Starting Point : The Retreat Boutique – 2102 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton Commons, Bridgehampton, NY  11932.  Light breakfast and coffee sponsored by Hampton Coffee Company

WHEN: 8:30 AM
WHY: All proceeds from the Rallye directly benefit the Retreat  – the East End’s only domestic violence agency (www.theretreatinc.org)

COST: $125 (includes driver, navigator and lunch)

“You may have seen a flurry of activity around the Ross School in East Hampton all week, thanks to the hands on staff and volunteers at the Retreat, including Jennifer Palmer, Development Director and Development Associate, Heather Fay, Ann Chwatsky, Arlene Slavin and Eileen Ekstract, who have been working non-stop all year to make sure every single detail is in place for their 15th Annual “Artists Against Abuse Gala,” this Saturday, June 26, to benefit The Retreat’s FREE domestic violence services! Jeffery Friedman, Executive Director of the Retreat, told me, “Support for this event means more to us than ever before. Domestic violence services requests are up by 56%, all the while funding continues to be cut or eliminated.” Friedman and his team are pulling out all the stops this Saturday to ensure this year’s gala is a success, including a live art auction, where you can bid on original artworks by such notable artists as: Louise Bourgeois, Peter Bynum, James Croak, Roberto Dutesco, Jimmy Ernst, April Gornik, John Hultberg, Bryan Hunt, Claes Oldenburg, Kryn Olson, Robert Rauschenburg, Denise Regan, Dan Rizzie, Frank Stella, John Torreano, Michael Viera and Gavin Ziegler. And with the help of Jarrell Entertainment, DJ MICHAEL will keep the beats going all night. Plus, Shannen Doherty is the official celebrity host for this Saturday evening. Friedman says, “The Retreat feels honored and privileged to have actor, director, writer and producer Shannen Doherty be this year’s celebrity host. We are thankful that Shannen is taking a stand, with the Retreat by her side, and speaking out against domestic violence. Shannen is in a very unique position, able to reach a mulit-generational audience, which in turn, will allow us to raise awareness among a diverse group of women and younger individuals. We thank her for her generosity and support.” Yet, there is one very special honoree who I predict will steal the spotlight this Saturday evening, and no it’s not me (mistress of ceremonies); it’s a 13-year-old boy, Jordan Bacher. With some assistance from his mom, Miche Bacher, who owns Sacred Sweets in Greenport, Bacher was the mastermind and organizer of a memorable and successful Thanksgiving dinner for Retreat clients. “I wanted to give the women and children residing in the shelter a holiday experience that would make them feel special and like valued members of our community,” said Jordan. Rumor is, Jordan will be presenting a live money donation to the Retreat at the event that he personally saved up and set aside from his Bar Mitzvah gift money. I think Jordan’s philanthropic efforts help make him a true role model for kids worldwide. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that this genius has landed him his own talk show on OWN-Oprah and Discovery’s new TV network scheduled to premiere this fall. Please help keep the Retreat’s domestic violence services FREE for all victims and buy a ticket to celebrate with us this Saturday evening at the Ross School!  To make a donation, call 631-329-4398.”

http://www.danshamptons.com/content/danspapers/issue14_2010/11.html

 JUNE 26^th, 2010 will mark the 15^th Anniversary of the Retreat’s most celebrated event, Artists Against Abuse. For over two decades the Retreat has been a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and their families.  The Retreat continues to be the only agency serving Eastern Long Island with domestic violence services as its founding purpose and core mission, and it maintains the region’s only domestic violence hotline and residential shelter.   Over the past 14 years, Artists Against Abuse has raised critical funds for the Retreat and we hope to make 2010 our most successful year yet. 

This year’s event will again take place at Ross School where Maria McBride (Style Editor at Brides Magazine) will transform the Great Hall into a magical and enchanting backdrop for our guests.  Once again the Retreat continues the tradition of holding a live auction of original works of art from notable artists.  In recognition of our 15^th anniversary of Artists Against Abuse, we will be replacing the silent plate auction with a silent auction of 9’ x 12’ canvases, hand painted and specially commissioned by our Art Chairs; however, to maintain tradition one custom plate will be in the auction. 

Gina Glickman, News 12 Entertainment Reporter and host and creator of the popular, star-studded entertainment series, “What’s Hot in the Hamptons,” will be joining us as Master of Ceremonies. 

In addition, we will be presenting our Hope Award to some extraordinary individuals who have greatly impacted our organization.  The Retreat’s Board President, Richard Demato, who will be ending his term on June 30, 2010 as Board President, has provided leadership, vision and given of himself most generously over the past five years, helping to put the agency on an exciting path for the future.  Jordan Bacher, just 13 years old, was the mastermind and organizer of a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner for Retreat clients.  And finally, we’ll honor Josh Horton and Yvonne Lieblein, who have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for the Retreat on the North Fork.   All of these individuals’ passion and dedication to our mission have been enormous and for that, we thank them. 

To purchase tickets or for more information contact the Developement Team at 631.329.4398 or visit www.artistsagainstabuse.com

Ticket Prices start at $450 and includes cocktails and a full dinner.

Friday afternoon, she found a pair of gray, square-shaped Marni sunglasses, valued at $500, on sale in the thrift store for only $50. She bought them, along with a beaded turquoise dress the boutique’s manager, Jessica Burdine, thought would look just fabulous on the tall, thin brunette.

“She anticipates exactly what I like,” Ms. Oberman said about Ms. Burdine.

Finds like the Marni sunglasses may be easier to spot now that The Retreat Boutique has moved into a larger space—almost twice the size—explained Ms. Burdine. The shop moved from another location at the Commons to a freestanding building in the parking lot near T.J. Maxx on April 20, because Kimco Realty, the owners of the shopping center, inked a deal with Staples. The office supply store plans to move into the space the thrift shop, Ann Taylor Loft and Gap Kids formerly occupied.

Ann Taylor Loft has yet to re-open in the Commons and Gap Kids moved into the Gap.

“Kimco was very generous—this space is bigger,” said Ms. Burdine. “We thought the traffic would diminish here, but it hasn’t. And it’s bright and sunny.”

The previous location, near the King Kullen, was about 1,000 square feet. The new space is 1,800, the manager said.

Moving from the old space to the new one took about one week to complete, Ms. Burdine said, adding that she would not have been able to do it without volunteers Betsy Nichol, Arlene Slavin and Rich DeMateo. Those volunteers, plus Ms. Burdine and assistant manager Marilyn Levine, comprised a committee charged with organizing the new store.

All the proceeds from the sale of clothes, jewelry and housewares at the shop benefit The Retreat, a shelter for battered women on Goodfriend Drive in East Hampton.

The wealthy people who summer in the Hamptons often donate name-brand designer clothing, accessories and jewelry—as well as art and home furnishings—to the shop, Ms. Burdine said. For example, a couple who just purchased an estate that was already furnished cleared the home of the furniture, and dropped it off at the store.

The shop also received two 8-foot bronze statues of Olympian-looking women holding torches that weigh 400 pounds each. The statues are valued at $15,000, but will sell for much less in the thrift store. Ms. Burdine was also given a $10,000 oriental rug to sell, she explained.

The new location in the Bridgehampton Commons is the store’s fourth or fifth since they opened more than six years ago, Ms. Burdine said. So many, she lost count. Immediately before opening up for business in the Commons, the boutique was located in Wainscott.

The new location allows Ms. Burdine to express her artistic creativity and better “edit” how she showcases donations of Donna Karan shirts, striped wraps and silk ties for men. The store is meant to have a Los Angeles vibe, she added. “It’s a metropolitan shopping experience,” she said.

The Retreat Boutique will have a grand opening celebration on May 8.

http://www.27east.com/story_detail.cfm?id=273746&town=Southampton&n=The%20Retreat%20Boutique%20moves%20to%20new%20location

Times are tough for all the non-profits. And when services provided have to remain confidential in order to protect clients, as in the casework of The Retreat, fund-raising becomes even more challenging. Luckily, an art opening and exhibition is poised to draw attention to the organization’s mission to combat domestic violence and help victims work toward a brighter future. The artist admission fees and a percentage of sales benefit the East End charity. On Saturday, The Retreat’s second annual Juried Art Show opens with an artist reception at the Richard J. Demato Gallery in Sag Harbor. The exhibition features the top 25 accepted artists for the open call art show. Their artwork plus pieces made by eight runnersup will also be posted on The Retreat’s online gallery (www.theretreatinc.org). The show remains on view through May 13 at the Demato Gallery.

Almost 290 artists applied, hailing from as far away as California and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Jurors were Christina Strassfield, Guild Hall’s museum director and chief curator, and Max Fishko, the gallery director for ArtHamptons and its sister fair, the San Francisco Fine Art Fair. The accepted work includes paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media in abstraction, seascapes, figurative, conceptual and urban scenes. Area artists include Giancarlo Impiglia, Philipe Cheng, Lewis Zacks, Dorothy Frankel, Steve Alpert, Michael Knigin, and Ruby Jackson, among others. The Best in Show winner receives a solo show at the Demato Gallery.

Holding a juried art show as a fund-raiser was a natural, according to event chair, Retreat board member, photographer and college professor Ann Chwatsky. Since The Retreat already holds an annual art auction (Artists Against Abuse), sponsoring a juried art show as a benefit seemed like the logical next step when it was first suggested by Southampton gallery owner and art dealer Peter Marcelle. “Art is a wonderful outreach for The Retreat,” Ms. Chwatsky said. “Artists and people who are attracted to art are giving people. Healing is an art and art is healing.”The first juried art show was held last year at Hampton Road Gallery in Southampton. This year, the event was moved to the Richard J. Demato Gallery, the gallery opened in Sag Harbor last year by Mr. Demato, the board president for The Retreat, and his wife, Harriet Sawyer, who is an artist.

For the artists, it’s a chance to be part of a juried show that will presumably feature art of a higher quality. Being awarded one of the top 25 slots is a noteworthy achievement. “It’s hard for artists to get into galleries,” said Anthony D’Avino of Babylon. “Artists are sensitive and can be afraid to compete. This show is a good opportunity.” Mr. D’Avino has exhibited his colorful art at the Art League of Long Island in Dix Hills, RVS Fine Art in Southampton, the Fire Island Lighthouse, Adelphi University and other venues. For Victoria Selbach of Port Washington, being part of the show provides an opportunity to meet other artists who are serious about their work. She explained that discovering a community of artists can be difficult in Nassau County. Ms. Selbach currently has a solo show at Martha de Groot in Port Washington. She has exhibited her figurative work on Long Island and in other places.

Mr. D’Avino heard about the show after seeing a call for artists in Art in America. Ms. Selbach discovered The Retreat’s show last year during an internet search for artist-related activities on Long Island. This year’s show saw repeat submissions from last year. Accepted both years were artists Deb Bronston-Culp, Mr. Zacks, Mr. Knigin and Ms. Jackson. The hope is that this year’s Juried Art Show will be a success and its reputation for presenting quality art will continue, said Ms. Chwatsky. Just as important is the show’s capacity for spreading the word about The Retreat’s services and generating funds to help maintain them. “Letting people know about The Retreat, especially in this economy, is important,” said Ms. Chwatsky. “Domestic violence has always been a problem, but when the economy suffers, so do women and children. Pressure can cause bad behaviors and sometimes results in explosions, anger and action against spouses and families. We’ve seen an increase in hot line calls; the shelter is busy. It’s an issue and it’s not going to go away. The Juried Art Show is an opportunity for us to let people know about the services we offer.”

The Retreat offers free counseling, a 24-hour domestic violence hot line, legal advocacy for victims of domestic abuse, and educational programs for schools. See www.theretreatinc.org for details. The Retreat’s second annual Juried Art Show will be held from May 1 to 13 at the Richard J. Demato Gallery, 90 Main Street, Sag Harbor. An artists opening reception will be held on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 29, 2010- East Hampton, NY –   The Retreat, the only non-profit domestic violence agency serving the East End of Long Island, is eager  to announce the new location of the Retreat Boutique, now located in the Bridgehampton Commons across from TJ MAXX (in the former Talbots space).  The Boutique will be having its Grand Opening on May 8, 2010 in its updated spacious space, with lots of new merchandise and great deals for everyone, including a 10% discount all day.   Come, visit and enjoy refreshments donated by local businesses from 10am – 6pm.

 The store features a vast array of new donations including designer clothing for men and women, jewelry, shoes, decorative home accents as well as amazing furniture. 

The Retreat would like to thank the many hard-working volunteers and local businesses that helped make the move a smooth process.  Without them, this couldn’t have happened.

Show your Love.  Support the Retreat — and make a difference in the community.

###    

 Date:            June 26^th 2010

 Time:           6pm – 10:00 pm 

 Location:     Ross School, 18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton, NY

Celebrity Host:      TBD

Master of Ceremonies:      Gina Glickman
News 12 Correspondent, Host of “Whats Hot in the Hamptons”, Entertainment Reporter

Hope Award Honorees:     Richard Demato, Yvonne Lieblein  & Josh Horton, and Jordan Bacher

Event Design by Maria McBride and Russel Kolody

For more information contact the Development Team at 631.329.4398, visit www.artistsagainstabuse.com  or download the  2010 Sponsorship Packages here.