Volunteer at local star-studded events
Celebrities, like Chevy Chase, gather for the annual Writers and Artists Celebrity Softball game on August 14. Credit: Handout
This summer the volunteer spirit could put you next to celebrities from the worlds of music, sports, literature and the movies. Gigs at star-studded events abound as the summer season heats up. The events range from charity fundraisers to huge music and athletic events. You can pitch in as a food runner, parking attendant or "artist escort."
Your volunteer efforts will be appreciated - and make a heckuva tweet or Facebook status-update.
2010 Great Chefs Dinner
Celebrity chefs prepare a four-course dinner with wine at this sixth annual East End celebrity fest. The $750 tab benefits the Hayground School's Jeff's Kitchen and the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund.
When | Where: 5-9 p.m. Aug. 8, Hayground School, Bridgehampton. E-mail info@greatchefsdinner.org to volunteer; call 631-327-0573 for tickets.
Who attends: "A lot of celebrities," says event coordinator Donna Imbarrato. In the past, they've included Gwyneth Paltrow, Alec Baldwin, Chevy Chase and Isaac Mizrahi.
Volunteers needed: Check-in desk, food runners, set up, clean up, and silent auction helpers.
Reality check: "You don't get to have the food," says Imbarrato.
Artists and Writers charity softball game
The legendary softball battle has been a Hamptons tradition since a bunch of East End artists gathered to toss a ball around in the late 1940s, says organizer Leif Hope. It benefits Phoenix House, the East Hampton Day Care Center and the East End Hospice.
When | Where: 3-5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 (batting practice at 1 p.m.), Herrick Park, East Hampton, 631-725-1294
Who attends: A loose definition of "artists" and "writer." "Alec Baldwin is here every year," Hope says. Jerry Seinfeld and Christie Brinkley also have played, and former President Bill Clinton has umpired.
Volunteers needed: T-shirt sales, collecting contributions at the field entrances.
Reality check: Feel free to say hi, but don't corner a celeb.
The Great South Bay Music Festival
Three stages, more than 40 artists and tens of thousands of fans enjoy three days of rock, folk and blues.
When | Where: July 9-11, Shorefront Park, Patchogue, 631-331-2800, greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
Who attends: This year's confirmed artists include Robert Randolph & The Family Band, singer-songwriter James Maddock, WAR, Aztec Two Step.
Volunteers needed: Artist escorts, beer tent workers, clean up crew.
Reality check: Ninety-five percent of the workers are paid staff, so you might not have that "Almost Famous" rock star experience.
Long Island Philharmonic concert in the park
Returning after a year's cancellation over lack of funding, with the Long Island Philharmonic replacing the New York Philharmonic, this huge outdoor concert ends with Grucci fireworks.
When | Where: 8 p.m. July 17, Heckscher State Park, East Islip, 631-224-5420
Who attends: Tens of thousands of music lovers. During the day, volunteers can hear the rehearsal.
Volunteers needed: Give out programs, sell posters and raffles.
Reality check: You are not actually working with the Philharmonic, which has its own corps of volunteers, says Islip Arts Council executive director Lynda A. Moran.
U.S. Open tennis championship
The world's top-ranked tennis players battle for millions of dollars in prize money inside the world's largest tennis facility.
When | Where: Aug. 30-Sept. 12, Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows. E-mail usopenvolunteers@usta.com
Who attends: Sisters Serena and Venus Williams, Roger Federer and Andy Roddick are expected to be among this year's competitors.
Volunteers needed: Booth workers for the USTA charitable foundation and bookstore. Also, staff for SmashZone, an indoor interactive area where kids can test their tennis skills. More than 500 volunteers are needed on Arthur Ashe Kids Day, Aug. 28, when 30,000 are expected to attend a day of tennis demos, magic shows and appearances by pros.
Reality check: You won't be on the tennis courts. "Ball kids, who retrieve the balls and hand them to the players, are paid positions and not open to volunteers," says Andrew Feldman, USTA national volunteer coordinator.
'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.
'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.
