On Saturday, May 24th, leading designers of the East End will kick off Memorial Day weekend showcasing their interiors to raise funds for animals in need at ARF, the Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons [www.arfhamptons.org]. The festivities begin with a preview cocktail party and sale at the ARF Thrift and Treasure Shop in Sagaponack where the shop has been transformed into an incredible designer showhouse featuring six fabulous rooms.  The event is Chaired by Gordon Hoppe, Gigi Mahon and Sandra McConnell along with Vice Chairs Peter Hallock and Lisa McCarthy. All proceeds will benefit ARF and the organization’s dedicated work to find loving homes for animals in need.

The shop is a priority of the organization’s long term strategic planning as almost 20% of ARF’s annual operating budget comes from funds raised by the Thrift Shop. In 2011, the Thrift Shop, a charming Dutch colonial building was renovated and expanded allowing ARF to accept more donations and continue to successfully fund the organization’s animal Adoption Center.

“Now in its fourth year, the ARF Designer Showhouse is a great kick-off to the summer season! We salute the designers who have brought such creativity to their assignment, and look forward to seeing everyone. Please bring your friends; it is a fun way to support the animals” said Sara Davison, Executive Director of ARF. Over 200 guests from the principals of the design world and the Hampton social community are expected to attend the preview cocktail party. Guests will enjoy a festive vodka bar, wine donated by Channing Daughters Winery and hors d’oeuvres donated by the Dancing Gourmet as they mingle and shop among the themed rooms.

The lineup of top designers, who will create rooms for the third annual showhouse, includes: John Bjørnen, Suzanne Caldwell and Maria Greenlaw, Bryon C. James, Chris Mead, Zoe Hoare, Scott Sanders and Rod Winterrowd. All the designers are animal lovers who are donating their time and expertise to help the ARF cats and dogs, who are less fortunate than their own beloved pets. Each room will feature Thrift Shop items and pieces donated from the designers’ own collections. Unlike traditional showhouses, every item in the ARF designer showhouse will be for sale.

Scott Sanders’ sketch [above], “Blue, White & Bailey” captures the essence of his New American Style with a cool, beachy vibe that has his dog Bailey’s tail wagging in anticipation of the summer months.

John Bjørnen [above] of Bjørnen Design in Sag Harbor offers a peek into the “Captain’s Cabin.” Expect a ship-shape mod twist on a Captain’s Quarters, after decades of travel to coastal points near and far with equal parts classic and quirky.

Suzanne Caldwell and Maria Greenlaw [both above] of Design House on Main Street in Southampton for over 23 years will arouse guests with “A Sleeping Porch,” a spot perfect for napping, daydreaming or reading; evoking memories of summer nights and card games.

Rod Winterrowd has created “The Hound Cave,” a summer hang out where anything goes any night of the week in the Hamptons, all dogs are welcome…cats too. “The idea that there are endless new opportunities for things which once seemed old is an important theme for this evening. The Thrift Shop is an amazing space and we’re hoping our designs help showcase how thrift store pieces can be used creatively in any home,” said event chair and interior designer Sandra McConnell.

Byron C. James [above] for House of Oasis Byron has dedicated his room to his Jack Russell Terrier, Christmas Eve Harrington. His “All About Eve” room is inspired by the birthday party Margo Channing (Bette Davis) threw for her boyfriend. Think old school New York, a time when women wore white gloves and men wore hats.

Originally an author and photographer of dozens of life style books on decorating, gardening and cooking, Chris Mead [above right], owner of English Country Antiques in Bridgehampton [below] and Southampton for over 20 years calls his room “English Country Style,” as a English country meets Hamptons living room using organic neutrals and earthy textures with a touch of eccentric English eclecticism.

The evening will also include –the true stars of the evening — a selection of ARF dogs and cats that will be available for adoption and looking to find a loving new home. Doors open for the exclusive Preview Hour ticket holders at 5:00 PM. General Admission opens at 6:00 PM. Following the preview party, the Thrift Shop will suggest a donation of a $10.00 entry fee to the general public (children free) on Sunday, May 25th and Monday, May 26th. All purchased items will stay in place until Tuesday, May 27th at which point they will be available for pick up.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, May 24th

Preview Cocktail Party
5:00 PM Exclusive Preview Hour $250
6:00 PM General Admission $150

Sunday, May 25th and Monday, May 26th
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Suggested Donation $10.00
Children free

Location: ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop
17 Montauk Highway (Corner of Poxabogue Lane)
Sagaponack, NY 11962

Tickets: Trefny Dix
631-537-0400 ext. 219
tdix@arfhamptons.org

Website: www.arfhamptons.org