Friends,
For the third year in a row, we were blessed with perfect weather for our golf outing at Indian Hills in Northport. A big Thank You to everyone who participated, whether it was golfing, having dinner with us, being a sponsor, or donating as this is our largest fundraiser for summer camp. It was a privilege to honor Harbor Seafood Inc for their 14 years of generous support, and separately, Christian Limberg for his unwavering commitment. Special thanks as well to the Mike Ryan family for their ongoing support. The day was filled with a beautiful spirit of community, camaraderie and diversity, like minded folks getting together for a common good—that’s who we are. I’ll be posting some photos on our website soon.
Despite all the rain this spring, it always cleared up by 6:00 pm on Mondays just in time for our PAL soccer clinic; this was another complete success with 120 children of all ages taking the field. Even on Awards BBQ Monday at the Outreach, the rain held off at the perfect moment for the players to enjoy the BBQ picnic and receive their awards. The players love getting their picture taken as the police officers place the ribboned award around their necks; we print the photos and create a collage for the families to take their own pictures home!
A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible volunteer coaches, many of whom started with me ten years ago. Bobby Patch and Tom Fiorini continue to lead and manage the older boys’ fields with two games running at once and in all these years, we’ve never had a fight or even a skirmish. That’s a true testament to Bobby’s leadership and the safe, respectful environment these kids cherish. They just want to play! Ten year coach Mike Del Percio flew home early from a business trip in London to be back in time for the soccer clinic! Thanks also to the officers from the Suffolk County Police Department First Precinct, their commitment to this program speaks volumes about the strength of their community relationships. In spite of all the tension around ICE, families felt comfortable and came out to enjoy their Monday nights. Officer Dara Caramanico-Broyles and Officer Nick Shieda deserve particular recognition for ensuring the clinic runs smoothly and remains a safe, well-organized space for all. Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Tony Martinez, along with Philip A. Berdolt, Deputy Commissioner of DPW Buildings & Grounds, ensured the fields and bathrooms were in perfect condition for the clinic and took great pride in maintaining the facility. They even trimmed branches and cleared out bushes to expand the side field, making more space for the younger girls.
Next week, summer camp begins—and we are ready. The golf outing will help fund a majority of campers who simply do not have the financial resources to afford the highly subsidized camp. Sadly, the percentage of campers who are homeless, in shelters, foster care, or not living with their parents remains steady at around 45%. It’s a difficult reality, but it’s exactly why the camp exists.
If you’d like to sponsor a child, please let me know. Your support can make a direct and meaningful impact for a child in need.
All good—and thank you for your continued support.
Joe
