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| Ellis French and Paul Monte Honored
Over three hundred people turned out to celebrate and honor Ellis French and Paul Monte at the annual Harbor Lights Gala, held at the splendid Montauk Lake Club. Money raised at this event goes toward the Montauk Playhouse Community Center, phase two addition. Once again the Kalimnios family and Double K Management hosted a fabulous event, with out of this world hor'deouves, free flowing wines and spirits, seafood and carving stations and a table of luscious desserts. The music was fantastic and lively and partygoers were certainly in a dancing mood that evening! The opening welcome was given by Board of Directors Vice President, Diane Hausman. President Joan Lycke conducted a live auction later in the evening as part of the festivities. The grand prize was a week at the island of St. Bart's in a luxurious condominium for four, with the winning bid coming in at $5,500 for the Playhouse.
Mr. Paul Monte CEO and General Manager of Gurney's Inn, Resort, Spa and Conference Center, was the first gentleman to be honored and after receiving his award talked to the crowd about he felt about Montauk. In a touching and heartfelt speech, he compared Montauk to the classic children's book, "The Little Engine that Could". The book's storyline is about a little engine that is told he cannot do something and eventually accomplishes what he sought to do. He reminded guests about the nay sayers that thought Montauk would never have a huge library complex, an addition to the school, a beautiful, grandiose church and even the thought of reviving the abandoned playhouse because it was too expensive. However, the Montauk community has persevered, with spirit and courage and now they have all four of these buildings! Mr. Monte ended his speech by thanking his family and the members of the committee for honoring him that night.
After his introduction, Mr. Ellis French recounted how he first came to Montauk Labor Day weekend in 1944 and how in 1947 his family purchased the property where the Panoramic View Resort sits today. The family business started with 6 resort units and grew to 117 over 10 acres of land. In a touching note he mentioned two stones on the property dedicated to his late father and brother, John that is his tribute to them. Mr. French added that so many people in Montauk brought the Playhouse to fruition and how these "wonderful people spent their time and effort" to make it happen. The Montauk Playhouse, a Carl Fisher building, has been maintained for all of the Montauk community and visitors to enjoy. After Mr. French, playwright, Mr. Edward Albee, came up to the microphone to say a few words. He reiterated his love for Montauk, saying how "we will not become the Hamptons", referring to a recent news article. This comment was met with a round of applause by the friendly audience.
The Montauk Community Playhouse needs its last three million dollars to complete the theatre addition and indoor pool that has been planned. With the enthusiasm of the attendees and the rest of the Montauk community that has supported this project, as well as generous contributors from outside the area, there is no doubt it will be raised!
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