Flower Power Fund-Raiser

As part of a fund-raising effort this year for the village’s flower baskets, Christmas wreaths, and other projects, the Ladies Village Improvement Society of Sag Harbor has created a contest inspired by last summer’s A.L.S. Ice Bucket Challenge, in which a person would pour a pail of icy water over his or her head to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, and then tag a friend to do the same. That challenge went viral.

In the L.V.I.S. video, Bethany Deyermond, who came up with the campaign, calling it Flower Power, asks residents to upload photos of their gardens, or videos of people sprinkling water on them, and donate those photos or videos to the organization. When she finishes her speech, another L.V.I.S. member, Esther Ricker, then waters her and Diane Lewis, also a member, as if they were her own flowers.

Ms. Deyermond posted the video to Facebook and GoFundMe, a platform to give money online. The women have been raising money for flower baskets for about 10 years and usually rely on mass mailings to residents. This year, they hope the challenge and added GoFundMe website will boost donations. Participants have been encouraged to send $25 by mail or through the website.

Ms. Deyermond set a goal of $5,000 but hopes to receive more. “I’d love to raise close to 10 [thousand], but who knows,” she said. So far, six people have given money through GoFundMe, donating as much as $150 and totaling $600.

Several residents have uploaded videos, among them Frank D’Angelo, the owner of Emporium Hardware on Main Street. He contributed money in honor of his mother, who was a member of the L.V.I.S. In his video, he requests that other residents donate and help the organization “beautify” the village.

The L.V.I.S. will be taking donations through the end of the month or until the group reaches its goal.