Cash Mob Swarms Tim’s Prime Meats

A "cash mob" hit Sag Harbor on Sunday afternoon, the first of what promises to be many visits to small businesses on the South Fork by Cash Mob East End in an effort to bring community shopkeepers a needed influx of money.

The mobbers were prepared to spend $20 each, but did not learn until they arrived which business they would be headed to. They met at the windmill at the at 3 p.m., where instructions — as well as Cash Mob stickers — were given out to participants.

The chosen business, , at 51 Division Street, is relatively new and one block off Main Street. The store offering quality meat and fish, olive oil and many prepared foods, was filled with mobbers. Even vegetarians and vegans had plenty to choose from, plus the Sag Harbor Baking Co., the next door neighbor, was mobber friendly.

About 75 people showed. Denise Sabloski, of Sag Harbor, said she had a great time and that she knew of the new store but had yet to go in. She found some irresistible kabobs and had a great time. She said she would definitely do it again.

There was an after-mob gathering at , another business new to Sag Harbor, with hors d’oeuvres and specially priced drinks.

The first cash mob — another take on a flash mob — was organized in Buffalo, on August 5, 2011, but credit is most often given to Andrew Samtoy for his Cleveland Cash Mob on Nov. 16, 2011, due to his ongoing support of would-be cash mob organizers. The idea was to achieve some critical mass of people who would go into small local, businesses and spend some money. The vision is a form of economic stimulus while getting together with neighbors, dressing up in costumes, having a good time and getting cool stuff, all while supporting local businesses.

Since that time cash mobs have been springing up all over the U.S. in 45 states and nine countries around the world, and all with the same intent to support local businesses. According to organizers and supporters nationally, cash mobs are not a political movement, a business or a corporation, or seen as a cure for economic plight. Cash mobs are meant to be a direct and positive action for  communities and their businesses — all while having fun.

Bobbie Cohen, for showing the most "cash mob spirit" by writing a poem, earned a gift certificate for dinner for two at Muse in the Harbor

Cohen's poem:

We’re now at the East End Cash Mob
Where it appears that our only job
is to spend twenty bucks
That’s so easy, why shucks

With such goodies there’s really no prob

Cause Tim’s Prime Meats & Seafood is great
The selection was well worth the wait
we will shop there again
for the special times when
we need yummies to put on our plate

So next we will move on to Muse
Really, how can anyone lose,
with some drinks and good food?
Puts us right in the mood

To see friends old and new and just schmooze!