The Retreat

In the late 1980s, a concerned group of local women in East Hampton, New York, met to discuss how they might provide shelter for women and children who desperately needed protection from domestic violence. Their planning and fundraising resulted in a not-for-profit called The Retreat, which would provide housing, clothing, food, transportation, and counseling for victims of abuse. Unfortunately, there is still a need for a shelter like this, perhaps more than ever. My late wife, Judie, was one of the founding board members. Because of her efforts and those of her colleagues on the board, today, The Retreat continues to provide a safe place to go for women and children. Its doors have been open to those in need continuously since its foundation almost 40 years ago.

Yesterday afternoon, in honor of their mother, my girls invited the community to an event at our home in support of the ongoing work of The Retreat. Thousands of dollars were raised, and the event will likely become an annual one.

The Retreat, like many small organizations, needs local support to continue its work. Fortunately, the Hamptons are a magnet for fundraising. The summer is filled with cocktail parties, dinners, and numerous private fundraising events seeking to attract donors. Rather than tennis or golf, spending the afternoon shopping for charity seems to be a major social event—and perhaps a good one for the soul.

The attraction at today's event was a lovely selection of clothes and jewelry, with part of the proceeds going to The Retreat. All the better that a charity receives a portion of the profits. The motivation to buy is tempered by the pleasure of giving. The Retreat benefits, as do the local shops, through profit sharing.

Perhaps next time, my girls will include menswear?