Photos: Community Comes Together to Raise Funds for Maureen's Haven, Help the Homeless

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Hearts were open to help the needy at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on James Lane in East Hampton Sunday, as guests gathered at Hoie Hall for the 5th Annual Auction to benefit the Maureen's Haven's homeless program.

Maureen's Haven, under the auspices of Peconic Community Council in Riverhead, is an organization that works with houses of worship on the East End, along with a legion of volunteers, to provide the burgeoning homeless population with a warm place to sleep, dinner, a bagged lunch, and companionship every night of the week throughout the long winter months from November through the end of March each year.

On Sunday, the fundraiser featured unique silent auction items, including themed gift baskets, vacation packages, items donated by local merchants, and more; a live auction followed.

The tempting aroma of fresh, homemade baked goods filled the air in the entry hall.

St. Luke's is one of 19 East End houses of worship where Maureen's Haven guests find respite and comfort during the cold winter months.

Sara Blue of Maureen's Haven worked with volunteers from the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, located on Woods Lane, in East Hampton, to make the event a success.

The entry fee was a new pair of socks.

For additional information about Maureen's Haven, click here.

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.