Pink Link to Turn Birthday Party into Fundraiser

Mark and Rene Zambratto plan to celebrate their New York Avenue store's fourth anniversary with more than just a birthday party. The owners of The Pink Link are hosting a party at Prime Restaurant on Tuesday to celebrate their signature Lilly Pulitzer shop turning four years old and will donate a portion of the ticket sales to a local organization – the Junior Welfare League of Huntington, Inc.

"I am extremely grateful to all of you who have made doing business in Huntington so much fun," said Mark, who added that he will match the funds generated through tickets sales. "My store is a happy place. I have led a very fortunate life, and I am grateful to be in a position to help charities. It is who Rene and I are."

Julie LaBella, who recently completed a two-year term as president of the Junior Welfare League, said that proceeds from the Pink Link party will benefit "Backpacks for Success," a program which provides backpacks and supplies to children within Huntington Township who cannot afford them.

"It is the first year that the Junior Welfare League is spearheading this project and we have requests for more than 200 backpacks and supplies," LaBella said, adding that Mark approached her organization with the idea of using Tuesday's event to benefit this cause.

"It is a huge gesture," LaBella said. "Mark has been one of the largest and most continuous supporters of the Junior Welfare League since he opened his store. He feels strongly about what we do, and we are happy to work with him."

Tickets to the party, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m., are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the Pink Link, or at the door on the evening of the event. The ticket price includes one drink from a selection of wines and mixed drinks, and a preview of Lilly Pulitzer's new fall line. Guests will also receive a coupon entailing them to 20 percent off one full-priced fall Lilly Pulitzer item and the chance to win an entire fall 2010 Lilly Pulitzer outfit of their choice.

"Aug. 17 is the exact birthday of the store's opening four years ago, and everyone is invited," Mark said. "It will be a fun night."

For  more information or advance tickets, visit the Pink Link at 310 New York Avenue or call (631) 271-3333.