First Annual Hamptons' "Cranksgiving" Food Drive To Take Place Nov. 22

Joining a national effort to end hunger, Saunders & Associates presents the first annual Hamptons’ “Cranksgiving” food drive to be held on Saturday, Nov. 22.

It was announced on NBC’s ‘Today Show’ Monday morning that one of the show’s anchors would participate in the East Hampton leg of this national effort, accompanied by cameras to document the ride. Participants will bicycle through a pre-arranged route, stopping at four different Hamptons grocery stores for opportunities to purchase non-perishable foods to be donated to the East Hampton Food Pantry.

Over the low-key, six-mile course, bicyclists can spend any amount of money purchasing items from a list of much-needed foods. Although this is not a race and participants have no minimum or maximum requirement of donated items, the first person to return to the finish line with all the listed items and accompanying receipts will be declared the “winner.”

The idea to bring “Cranksgiving” to the Hamptons was spearheaded by East Hampton native and Saunders & Associates agent, Eddie Lopez.

“When Eddie brought this fantastic idea to us, we embraced it enthusiastically. Thanksgiving has always been a cherished holiday for my family and the Saunders & Associates family. This year, we felt we needed to honor the holiday by helping the Hamptons community give back to those less fortunate on the East End. We couldn’t think of a better way to do that than by joining forces with the East Hampton Food Pantry and sponsoring a “Cranksgiving” of our own,” said Andrew Saunders, President of Saunders & Associates.

This year, the East Hampton Food Pantry plans to feed more than 31,000 people in Amagansett, East Hampton, Montauk, Springs, and Wainscott. The “Cranksgiving” ride will contribute immense aid to this incredible effort.

There is no entry fee for the November 22nd event, and all food items collected will be donated to the East Hampton Food Pantry. A bicycle, helmet and a small backpack are required to ride. Free gifts will be provided to the first 50 participants who register at 10 a.m. The ride begins at 11 a.m., kicking off at East Hampton Middle School on 76 Newtown Lane in East Hampton.

The footage captured by NBC cameras will air on the ‘Today Show’ on Monday, Nov. 24.

Interested riders can find out more information by visiting: http://www.HamptonsCranksgiving.com or http://www.cranksgiving.org/