The Advisory Council of Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) presented the 1st Annual "Be Our Guest", a gala benefit evening on August 20 which began with cocktails and sumptuous hors d�oeuvres, catered by Starr Boggs, at the fabled 1903 "Seafield" estate in Westhampton Beach hosted by its owner WHBPAC Board Chairman Len Conway. The magnificent residence was originally designed by Henry Bacon, best known for his design of the Lincoln Memorial.  .

Surprising as it seems, this was the first large scale fete ever hosted by the performing arts center and it was marvelous. As guests walked the manicured catalpa tree lined drive, they were returned to the Hamptons of another era. On the veranda looking at the tranquil bay the Trevor Davis Trio played and the guests dined on such classic Hamptons fare as lobster rolls, local oysters, spicy grilled shrimp and baby lamb chops on the sweeping overlooking the beautiful Quantuck Bay before heading off to one of the dozen or more dinner parties hosted in private homes.

Be Our Guest Co-chairs were Patty Allen and Lorrie Gordon. The committee for the event included Linda Kaye, Tara Liddle, Pat Middleman and Robin Nijankin. The   Advisory Council is headed up by Mary Skillern who also serves on the WHBPAC Board. 

Special guests included best selling authors Helen Simonson who wrote "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" and Margaret M. Johnson who penned "The Irish Heritage Cook Book" and "Tea & Crumpets" as well as noted Chef Andrea Glick of Le Bernardin fame.

The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is a vibrant venue for theater, music, dance and film, serving patrons on the East End and across Long Island. From world class artists to supporting students through the participation of children in local school productions, the Center's stage serves as a year-round focal point for the area's diverse community. Its growing popularity among audiences and performers alike is evidence that the Center offers a broad selection of enriching programming.