Bay Street Theatre's Annual Benefit, This Year Hosted by Joy Behar, Declared a Success

Bay Street Theatre held its Second Annual Honors Benefit on Saturday, April 27 at East Hampton Point, hosted by funny-lady and Bay Street Thatre Board Member Joy Behar. This year the honorees were Hampton's Hometown Heroes including David Bray, Ana R. Daniel, Michael Grim and James Osburn. All four of the honorees support Bay Street as well as many other local businesses & non-profits in the Hampton's Community. The event is held Spring each year, not only to recognize outstanding patron involvement, but also to raise funds for its theatrical and educational programs.

This year Bay Street honored long time supporters including David Bray, one of Bay Street's original board members as well as a founding partner of Allan Schneider Associates, Ana R. Daniel, the founding Chairman of our Board of Trustees and current interim chair and Michael Grim and James Osburn, owners of the Bridgehampton Florist, who donate their time and services to the theatre and others.

The evening brought patrons of Bay Street Theatre together as they enjoyed a comfortable sunset view of Three Mile Harbor during an hour of cocktails and appetizers followed dinner and honors ceremony. Bay Street Theatre Executive Director Tracy Mitchell began the night's event with opening remarks.

"This dedicated group of people has done incredible things for all of us at the theatre as well as for the community," commented Mitchell. "These people are more than just patrons. They are incredible and dedicated community members. Full, disclosure, our honorees are like family to me. My daughter refers to them as Uncle David, Uncle Michael, Uncle James and Fairy Godmother Ana."

The formality of an honor's dinner would not go without a few laughs as Joy Behar, comedian and co-host on The View, served as the evening's host. Behar delivered comedic remarks in support of Bay Street Theatre and the Honorees, remarking on how dedicated each honoree has been for 22 years.

"Places like Bay Street are a staple in the Hamptons community and if we ever let Bay Street Theatre disappear we would be doing ourselves a disservice," commented Behar.
Behar reminded the evening's guests of the commitment each of the honorees have shown to preserve the East End community and prevent its traditional roots from disappearing.

Close friends and fellow members of the community shared their own personal stories of each of the honorees. Anthony Newman, a close friend to Ana Daniel, went as far as referring to her as a "mysterious vixen" as he shared his search results on Google bringing laughter to the audience. Cee Scott Brown shared his memories of David Bray's tutelage during his first years entering real estate, while Monte Matthews spoke of the incredible good nature of Michael and James.

"I would give my shirt off my back for them, except it was the shirt they give to me," commented a teary Matthews.

The comedy was not left solely to host Behar. David Bray in his acceptance of his award delivered a quick one liner saying "It was a 'Joy to Be-har" receiving outstanding applause.

In addition to their honors award, Congressman Tim Bishop sent his congratulations to each of the honorees with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition honoring them as Hampton Hometown Heroes.

Ms. Behar concluded the evening by reminding guests of the three comedies scheduled for this summer, Lend Me a Tenor, The Mystery of Irma Vep and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum along with Bay Street's largest fundraiser of the year, Rock the Dock! July 20 to be hosted by Susan Lucci.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit regional theater presenting new, classic and contemporary works, with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to innovative educational programs that highlight the power of live theater. It is our mission to be an artistic haven for an extended family of artists and audience, while continuing to provide a gathering place to share in the unique collective theatrical experience.

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