Phoenix House is delighted to announce that once again they will benefit from the Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game.
The 61st annual Hamptons rite of summer will feature a lineup that includes: Alec Baldwin, Christie Brinkley, Carl Bernstein, Mort Zuckerman, Lori Singer, B. Smith, Dan Gasby, Greg Bello, Ken Auletta, James Lipton, Jeffrey Lyons, Juliet Papa, Edward Nahem, Kim Stolz, Bonnie Bernstein, Mark Ciardi, Rod Gilbert, Mike Lupica, Bert Sugar, Richard Reeves, and many more to come.
The event, which last year drew a crowd of over 2,000 spectators, will take place on August 15, 2009 in East Hampton’s Herrick Park. Celebrity batting practice will begin at 1 pm, and the Home Run Derby, sponsored by U.S. Sports Film Festival, will begin at 2 pm. The players will take the field at 3 pm. A donation of $10 is suggested for spectators. Students from the Phoenix Academy of Long Island will be selling hot dogs and other concession items.
“I was proud to serve as umpire for this event more summers ago than I care to admit,” said former President Bill Clinton, in a letter to the organizers. “I know firsthand how much fun it is, and how dedicated the players, spectators, and organizers are to being good neighbors and contributors to their community. Though the rivalry runs deep and winning is serious business, this (mostly) friendly competition truly represents America at its best, reinforcing our fundamental values of community, responsibility, and compassion.”
The Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game first started at a picnic in the summer of 1948, in Wilfrid Zogbaum’s front yard. The event has grown to include notable politicians, actors, musicians, publishers, editors, and television personalities, and is a beloved event of every East Hampton summer.
Over the years, spectators have watched as Bill Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, Chevy Chase, Jackson Pollock, and many others have battled on the ball field. The casual setting, dedicated fans, and a decidedly competitive match make for some great summer entertainment.
Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading drug and alcohol treatment centers. In East Hampton, Phoenix House operates an outpatient center that offers group, individual, and family therapy; and in Wainscott, the organization runs the Phoenix Academy of Long Island, providing residential treatment to teens along with educational and vocational services.
