Drive-In Movies To Benefit East End Families In Need

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Drive-in movies aren't just a blast from the past providing a fun source of entertainment during the coronavirus and "summer like no other," but they're also a way to raise funds for families in need on the East End.

In Southampton, All for the East End's Feed the Need campaign presents "Showtime in Southampton" for the second week; the series began last weekend with showings of "Men in Black" and "Dirty Dancing."

AFTEE launched the series to help the "Feed the Need" campaign, which benefits local food pantries and other non-profits on the East End still struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, a release said.

The second week includes "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on Friday, July 24 and "Rocky," on Saturday, July 25. “Show Time in Southampton” will end its run the weekend of July 31 and August 1st with “Transformers” Friday and “Jurassic Park” on Saturday.

The films are shown at the Elks Lodge, located at 605 County Road 39 in Southampton; the films begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

“Show Time in Southampton” is designed to provide fun entertainment during a summer overshadowed by the pandemic, organizers said. Vehicles will be set up with space to safely tailgate and set up chairs. Movie-goers select theirs spots when purchasing tickets. Reservations are required.

A small selection of tickets can be purchased for as little as $25 per vehicle. Spots closer to the screen increase in price and include a tax deductible donation to AFTEE. The screen is LED and provides sharp visual quality. Sound will be provided through speakers and through vehicle radio transmission. There will be food trucks and portable restrooms available.

Security will be on site and traffic control will be provided. Volunteers will help guide people to and from their vehicles and remind patrons to wear masks when leaving their individual safety zone. A designated section to honor pantry workers will also be set up at each presentation.

AFTEE, a 501(c) (3) organization, was founded in 2012 and is working to support the non-profit community of Long Island’s East End by providing an accessible source of funding. The Feed the Need Campaign is currently addressing issues of food instability and other concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Long Island Community Foundation partners with AFTEE to manage the grant process to ensure transparency, and administers the fund disbursements. The AFTEE grant advisory committee includes one member from each of the five East End towns.