GENEROUS BENEFACTORS FOR HAMPTONS CAUSES Chuck Scarborough, the highly regarded NBC television journalist, and Ellen Ward Scarborough, an antiques dealer (Ellen Ward Scarborough Antiques is in Stamford, CT), are renowned for their generosity and extensive contributions to Hamptons and New York philanthropies. How long have you been going to the Hamptons? Chuck has been going to the Hamptons since he was introduced to its charming hamlets, pristine beaches, and cultural delights 36 years ago. I joined him when we began dating 23 years ago. What charity and cultural events will you be involved with this summer? We are hosting the annual Southampton Association fund-raiser in June. It is a wonderful organization devoted to preserving the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the village, a task that has never been more important. The welfare of animals is also high on our list of priorities. I serve on the boards of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) and Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue. SASF, the municipal shelter for 22 towns, was on the brink of closing several years ago until Susan Allen and a small group of dedicated women stepped in to save it. Gimme Shelter, founded and lovingly run by Michelle Neufeld Montak, rescues animals from death row in high-kill shelters.
Ellen and Chuck Scarborough and friends at a benefit for the Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue Benefit.
We also support the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, which does heroic work under the direction of Ginnie Fratti and was instru-
ampton Hospital Foundation is important to us, although for the first time in many years, Chuck will not be emceeing the Hospital’s Summer Party because of a close friend’s wedding in Sweden. This vital community asset has made remarkable strides over the past two decades, thanks to the generosity of our neighbors and the superb leadership of Bob Chaloner.
We try “ to preserve as
much time as possible for close friends and family.
How many events are you asked to each weekend and how many do you go to? Aside from the charities listed above and the occasional dinner or cocktail party, we try to preserve as much time as possible for ourselves, close friends, and family—not that we are awash in invitations, mind you. Favorite secret spot in the Hamptons? Munn Point. It is an unexpected oasis of tranquility in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Southampton. Pull out of the traffic on Meadow
”
Lane along the sliver of land that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Shinnecock Bay and step onto the long boardwalk traversing the wetlands on the bay’s south shore. As you stroll toward the water, the chaotic energy and attendant noise of the Southampton summer fade away. A plover might flit by. Egrets stand like statues eyeing the reeds. Ospreys attend their young in a towering nest. Crabs scuttle into their holes. The bay’s waters lap gently at the shore as mute swans cruise slowly by. Are you feeling thoroughly relaxed
and at peace with the world yet? Favorite beach: Cryder, primarily because of its easy proximity. We love taking the dogs for long walks along the shore. Favorite restaurant: Silver’s, hands-down. Chef-proprietor Garrett Wellins is a magician in the kitchen and a delightful host.
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vation from killing all the mute swans statewide. The South-
PHOTO: KRISTIN L. GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY
mental in stopping the Department of Environmental Conser-