Resident On Hamptons.com

Story appeared at: http://www.hamptons.com/Out-And-About/Within-The-Hedges/18517/Tea-Party-To-Salute-The-Southampton-Animal.html#.UemMtlPTmQ4

Katlean de Monchy, Boo Grace, Jean Shafiroff, and Jill Rappaport. (Photos: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

Resident Magazine Editor-in-Chief Christopher Pape threw a late afternoon soiree at the Village Latch Inn to celebrate Jill Rappaport's cover, and salute the Southampton Animal Shelter. The Shelter will honor the "Today Show" Correspondent at their Unconditional Love benefit on Saturday, July 20, and the event will be chaired by philanthropic dynamo Jean Shafiroff. Also spotted at the salute was Honorary Chair Susan Allen, SASF president Jonathan McCann, Esther Paster, Christine Schott, Cole Rumbough, Jack Biderman, and Kristi Witker among the bold faces.

"The Southampton Animal Shelter," said NBC's high profile animal activist Rappaport, "is truly one of the greatest shelters I have ever been to. And I have seen them all over the country. For me, rescue and adoption is oxygen. To do this, it has to be part of your fiber. They care so deeply; they're a great group."

The Village Latch Inn, a charming collection of 100 year old buildings and cottages that were once part of Stanford White's estate, is for sale. It has hosted the likes of Al Gore, Joe Biden, the Kennedy's, Michael J. Fox, Isabella Rossellini, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dennis Quaid, Ray Liota, John Stamos, Carly Simon, and Fran Dresher.

Corcoran broker, Esther Paster, who owns a significant amount of Hamptons commercial real estate herself, has a vision for its future. "This is a unique Southampton Village property – 5.24 acres south of the highway, walking distance to the ocean, restaurants and shopping," she said. "For the first time in 40 years, there is an opportunity to redevelop a legendary hotel with all the amenities guests expect in a 5 star hotel. Imagine a Canyon Ranch, Relais Chateaux, Aman, or Auberge – tucked behind the privet hedges. With all that Southampton has to offer, it lacks a year-round luxury hotel with a restaurant, full-service spa, and all the creature comforts of the 21st Century".

Esther sees the Village Latch as part of a larger vision for Southampton Village, which includes the new Southampton Center on Jobs Lane. A luxury hotel would extend the season, and would attract visitors for holidays, corporate retreats and family celebrations year-round. All of which would generate revenue for the local Southampton businesses. The challenge is to find the creative developer who understands what Southampton is all about.

For Esther, Southampton's future is very personal. "I live here. I care very much. And I want someone to do the right thing."

For more information on the Southampton Animal Shelter visit www.southamptonanimalshelter.com.