The Hamptons Moochers

When I was a reporter and sent to cover the various charity events of the “Summer Season,” I was amazed to see the same faces at these posh events and quite frankly I knew they didn’t pay the $1000 or $500 to attend. One organizer called them, “The Hamptons Moochers!” I laughed but not that much; I too was there with my pen, pad and camera and hadn’t paid either.

So who are these “Hamptons Moochers,” and how do they do it? First some volunteer for everything only to either show up very late, of fake an injury when it comes time to work. The staff in the hope this person will volunteer next year sometimes gives the moocher entrance to the event. Others are just bold folks who walk in from the back or as I have seen with my own eyes, through the hedges.

Then there are the network party locals, the ones who always know someone who can get him or her in somehow without paying. Most of the time you can tell who they are because they are the ones attacking the Hors d’oeuvres taking two or three at once and always heading back to the open bar. I watched a woman pack the small treats into her purse with plastic bags! At the end of another event I witnessed another women taking three bottles of unopened wine into her large purse after the bartenders had left.

Since they all know each other and in some instances car pool to the event you can often hear them critiquing the quality of the food, wine, music and flower arrangements. After all they should know since they go to two or three events every weekend.

The women dress with a Hamptons flair and the men usually in jeans and a white shirt. These folks know the best thrift shops and quite frankly after going to a few affairs you can spot them.

Here is an example; a few years back I wrote for Dan’s papers and was inline for a Group for the East End’s event at Wollfer’s Estate, when a woman and her friend (just in front of me) said, to the list checker, “We are here from Dan’s Papers.” So the list checker said, “So you are TJ Clemente and guest?” and the woman says, “Oh he called me he can’t make it.” Luckily I was right there but it was awkward having Alec Baldwin pass by as we were talking with security. The women, who never worked at Dan’s, insisted their story was correct and you know what, they let them stay!

So when you go to your next event, have some fun play lets pick out the “Hamptons Moochers” at the event. I bet you get at least 10 correct!