Sag Harbor Cinema Offers Community Relief Fund During Pandemic

SAG HARBOR, NY — With an eye toward helping those in need during the new coronavirus pandemic, a new Sag Harbor Cinema Community Relief Fund will donate $250,000 over a six-month period to 501(c)3 organizations dedicated to food security and emergency relief on the East End.

The effort, those involved said, reflects the intent of all involved with the Sag Harbor Cinema to focus on all aspects of the community it serves — and "directly connects" with the interests of the East End based couple who made the donation.

The rebuilding of the historic Sag Harbor Cinema and its return to full operation will continue to be the priority of the organization, with its array of programs and educational opportunities designed to serve its diverse community, a release said.

The spirit of the organization called for an "extraordinary and special commitment"0 to those of its members who are in jeopardy, a release said.

"The Cinema’s mission is to provide entertainment and artistic excellence that enhances the quality of community life in the East End. Our mission also builds community by providing an anchor institution on Main St. These funds that will that provide food, childcare and other benefits build upon that mission at this extraordinary time and will further express our values and our mission,” said Sag Harbor Cinema board president John Alschuler.

"We have received so much love and support from the community that it is particularly wonderful to have the ability to help others now," added April Gornik, Cinema chair. "Not only are these donors helping sustain our community, they have also worked with us to determine greatest need with a deeply committed, hands-on involvement."

A first round of grants will be made starting in May, 2020 and include the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, Children's Museum of the East End, Eleanor Whitmore Center, Hamptons Art Camp, Meals on Wheels — East Hampton and Montauk, and OLA, or Organización Latino-Americana of the East End.