Cash Mob to Descend on East Quogue Saturday

It's been done in Bellport and Riverhead and now East Quogue — A cash mob is set to descend on Main Street East Quogue on . in an effort to inject some money into the local economy.

The event is being organized by East Quogue resident Kris Vanderslice and a mother's group that she belongs to, called the East Quogue Ladies Sanity Society, which meets monthly.

Vanderslice says the 30-strong mom's group works to give back to the community four times a year and it was her turn to come up with an event.

"We've done and 5k runs and I thought there are cash mobs being held all over the county and they are starting to pick up steam. Why not help our little village?"

Vanderslice said the idea of a cash mob is to get as many people as possible spend $20 at one time at area businesses.

"It is supposed to be spur of the moment," she said. "If we each put $20 into the local economy that's $4,000 for area businesses."

Vanderslice said she has a goal to get more than 200 people participate and has put out a call to residents through the East Quogue Chamber of Commerce and a Facebook Page she created.

Vanderslice, who is a mother of two teenage girls and works as an advertising sales representative for the Southampton Press, is also working with local business owners to offer discounts to cash mobbers.

All cash mobbers who meet at the village green at 3:45 with $20 ready to spend will be given a cash mob sticker and list of businesses that will be offering discounts, Vanderslice explained.

Cathy Seeliger, owner of said she is looking forward to the event and hopes that the turn out is similar to small business Saturday, which was held in November. 

"An incredible amount of people came out to support us then. It was very heartwarming and I was very touched. I hope for the same thing this Saturday.

Seeliger says she will be offering a 20 percent discount to cash mobbers.

Kirsten Montgomery, owner of Sandy Toes, said she too will be offering a discount to mobbers.

"I think the idea of the cash mob is great, especially in the off season, a few people coming in to support local businesses every once in a while is a big deal," she said. "Even if one person discovers us for the first time – that's great."