Home Tags Posts tagged with "Fundraiser"

Fundraiser

‘Golden Girls’ murder mystery fundraiser heads to Theatre Three

by Tara Mae - March 29, 2025

0 661

You are are cordially invited to Dorothy's wedding! Photo courtesy of Keith Dougherty

By Tara Mae

Theatre Three gives the public an opportunity to say “Thank you for being a friend,” with The Golden Girls Gone Wild: A Murder Mystery at Dorothy’s Wedding & Brunch on Sunday, April 13, at 11 a.m.

A benefit for Theatre Three, this interactive experience on its Second Stage is based on characters from The Golden Girls (1985-1992), a television comedy series about four previously married women: Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Dorothy’s mother, Sophia, who share a Miami home, hardships, and happiness as they navigate life and love together.

In this installation, Dorothy is about to get remarried, but seeing the bride before the ceremony proves to be fatally bad luck for the groom.

Rather than spectators of this unfolding performance, attendees are cast as wedding guests. While patrons partake of a menu provided by Theatre Three that includes mimosas, Bloody Marys, cinnamon French toast casserole, sausage-egg-and-cheese casserole, yogurt, fruit parfaits, cakes and cookies, festivities take a fun, funereal turn when the groom meets a suspicious end.

Now tasked with finding the murderer, participants get clue packets to help Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia solve the crime. Ballots are also supplied so people can write down who they think the murderer is and why. Hilarity and hijinks ensue as they work together on the whodunit.

“I’m excited to have our audience members—many of whom are longtime subscribers and friends of the theater—actively involved in the theatrical experience. It’s also a great opportunity to break the fourth wall in a way that’s usually not possible,” Theatre Three’s Artistic Associate/Director of Development Douglas Quattrock said.

Instead of actors and audience, cast and congregants are collaborators in amateur sleuthing.

The show is the brainchild of writer/director/producer Keith Dougherty. Proprietor of Murder Mystery Manhattan, he specializes in writing unauthorized parodies that spoof popular TV shows and film, as well as spoofs of cult classic films and TV shows. This is his first time working with Theatre Three.

“Personally, I like writing all the Golden Girls scripts because not only are the main characters iconic, but the show was so ahead of its time with many of the topics they tackled that are still relevant today,” Doughtery said.

The Golden Girls Gone Wild features Dougherty as Dorothy Soreback; Laurel Riley Brown as Rose Nylon; Teri Monahan as Blanche Devilho; Amanda Baumler as Sophia Barilla; and Timothy Scott Harris in a dual role as Phil and Pat McCrotch.

“One of our longtime patrons had seen them perform before, and when she attended our previous murder mystery event, she recommended them to me,” Quattrock said.

This partnership is part of Theatre Three’s ongoing creative effort to raise money for the arts and simultaneously regale its supporters. Unlike many previous fundraisers, which have been project oriented, this production is designed to support the theater as a whole.

“While we typically allocate fundraisers to specific causes, this one will support all of Theatre Three’s ongoing programs. We wanted to ‘spread the wealth,’ so to speak,” Quattrock said. “There are many worthwhile causes, and we felt that supporting all of them would be particularly helpful at this time.”

Showcasing The Golden Girls Gone Wild for such an endeavor is a worthy undertaking to Dougherty, melding entertainment with outreach. “Murder Mystery Manhattan always likes to give back to the community and is happy to perform for a good cause,” he said. “We love what we do and appreciate the audiences and venues whose support allows us to continue to do what we love.”

—————————————–

Tickets are $125 each and includes brunch. The show runs approximately three hours. All proceeds benefit Theatre Three, located at 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Line dancing fundraiser heads to East Northport

by Press Release - March 5, 2025

0 346

Join the Northport Chorale for their annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Line Dancing!” at Christ Lutheran Church, 189 Burr Road, East Northport on Saturday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Enjoy a hot and cold buffet, dessert table, raffles,“Baskets-By-Rachel’,” 50/50, line dancing and a pre-St. Patty’s Day old fashioned Irish sing-a-long to finish the evening. Tickets are $35 per person. To order, please call 631-754-3144. For more information, visit northportchorale.org.

Proceeds of fundraiser donated to Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve

by Press Release - February 13, 2025

0 710

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve recently received a generous donation of $1,100 from Six Harbors Brewery representing a portion of the sales of the specially brewed Lefferts Tide Mill Lager sale.

The special beer was brewed by Brewery co-owner Mark Heuwetter, and introduced to the public last August at a fundraising event at the Brewery for the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve. The lager was available for sale in the following months with a portion of the sale of each pint or can earmarked for the continued preservation of the mill.

“I like giving back to the history of Huntington because Six Harbors is a result of the research my wife and I did when I was just starting the Brewery,” said Heuwetter.

“I knew the people of Huntington would be so interested in learning about the 18th century Lefferts Tide Mill that I wanted to make it known that tours of the mill are available through the Huntington Historical Society. The beer was a great way to start the conversation!” said Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve’s Executive Director Claudia Fortunato.

If you missed a chance to get a taste of the beer, don’t worry — the fundraiser will be held again this year! The funds raised from the Lefferts Tide Mill Lager will be dedicated to the crucial task of maintaining the mill and ensuring its doors remain open as a museum.

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is a not-for-profit organization, established in 2013, with a mission to preserve and protect an 18th century tide mill, located in the Village of Lloyd Harbor, that is the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States. The mill design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill” signed by President George Washington. The mill pond has flourished into a haven for native and migratory waterfowl, contributing significantly to the region’s biodiversity.

Valentine’s Day fundraiser at Save-A-Pet will be a dog gone fun time

by Julianne Mosher - February 13, 2025

0 509

1 of 6

By Julianne Mosher

Who needs a box of chocolates when you can adopt a puppy this Valentine’s Day?

Save-A-Pet Animal Shelter will be hosting its first annual Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour on Feb. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at its Port Jefferson Station location for a special holiday fundraiser.

According to Dori Scofield, president of Save a Pet, the Yappy Hour will feature wine, charcuterie boards and desserts inside the adoption center, which they are transforming into a romantic setting for a purr-fect night out.

“We’ll have tables set up with candlelight and roses for the women,” she said. “It’s going to be a really fun night.”

Proceeds from the event will go towards helping dogs who need orthopedic surgeries, including Teddy, above. Photo courtesy of Dori Scofield

Just this month, the shelter, which is already home to several dozen cats and dogs up for adoption, received 30 puppies from Georgia and Puerto Rico.

“The shelters there are just too overcrowded,” said Scofield.

Those little loves, who will be joining you for your date night roaming the room, are up for adoption and the $25 ticket price will come off the adoption fee, Scofield added.

Proceeds from the event will go to continue support for the adoption center and also help care for three special cases; dogs who need orthopedic surgeries. One dog, Teddy, who is not for adoption, was unfortunately hit by a car and thanks to his latest procedure will be at Yappy Hour sporting his new cast and overseeing the night’s schedule.

If you’re looking for a lovable cat or dog who might be a little older, all the other animals available will be adoptable, too.

Those animals come from all different situations, Scofield said. “We have strays, animals who were abandoned, left in the woods, left in the streets… abandoned, abused and neglected.”

And you won’t need Cupid to shoot an arrow through your heart to fall in love with one of them.

Save-A-Pet, 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour on Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. For reservations, visit www.saveapetusa.org. 631-473-6333.

Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the DAR holds fundraiser that’s ‘Suited to a Tea’

by Press Release - November 14, 2024

0 291

1 of 4

The Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held a fundraiser to continue its mission to support Veteran’s programs as well as educational, scholarship and community causes.

With an Autumn and Halloween costumed party theme, the Chapter members and friends gathered at the VFW Hall # 3054 in Setauket on Oct. 19 for an old fashion tea party. Sandwiches, sweets and treats were served throughout the afternoon as a variety of items were auctioned, door prizes were distributed, and RaZle Basket prize winners were announced. Adding to the festivities, there was a friendly, yet spirited competition to see who would be awarded Best Hat, and Best Costume.

The Anna Smith Strong Chapter is very grateful to the VFW for the use of the facility, the Girl Scout Troop # 655 for helping throughout the event, and to the many others who donated their time and talent. As a result of the event, more than $3,000 was raised to support Veteran and other programs — making the holidays a little bit brighter for many.

Ending epilepsy on the golf course, one swing at a time

by TBR Staff - October 11, 2024

0 858

golf open 6 — Irene Rodgers, left, and Janet Romeo, right, inviting guests to learn more about the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island. Photo by Gabby Daniels

By Gabby Daniels

Is there anything better than a day on the golf course?

Just ask Joey and Nina Meyer, whose day was not only filled with golf, family, friends and fun, but was one that supported the cause so near and dear to their hearts.

In May of 2022, Nina Meyer was diagnosed with epilepsy, and it quickly took a toll on her life. Having been there through Nina’s two brain surgeries and watching her face an everyday battle with seizures and constant medications, her husband Joey knew he had to do something that could help turn this difficult disorder into something more positive.

Partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island, Meyer organized the “2024 Open to End Epilepsy” fundraiser in hopes of making a difference. The event took place on Sept. 20, at the Willow Creek Golf and Country Club in Mount Sinai.

A day filled with donations, camaraderie, awareness and hope, the day not only celebrated the spirit of community, but also fostered a deeper understanding of epilepsy, ensuring that no one has to face this challenge alone.

**Joey Meyer happily welcoming guests out on the green. Photo by Gabby Daniels**

“When my wife was first diagnosed with epilepsy, it felt hopeless because we did not really know what to do,” Meyer said.

“Having this event, our goal was to get others talking about epilepsy so that those going through it could feel supported and seen. It was a great way to raise money and awareness for others going through a similar experience as Nina, and we can let people know about the epilepsy foundation and everything they provide in the process,” Meyer said.

The event proved to be more than impactful, raising over $15,000 from event tickets and sponsorships alone.

“Our goal was to raise at least $20,000 today, and we have made great progress already,” Meyer said. “We have raffle tickets for sale, games and dinner to follow the golf outing, so I think we are on track to hit our goal.”

Being quite the beautiful day on the golf course, event attendees were thrilled to take part in the event. “It has been so nice out today, getting to golf, hang out, and support a good cause,” stated Amber Ciccotto, a friend of the Meyers.

“Nina has told me so much about her experience with epilepsy, and I think it is so important to learn as much as you can about it so you can be there for your loved ones who deal with it.”

The course was also lined with other fundraisers, such as Charity Golf, and their long-drive competition.

Hosted by Michael Watson, who has appeared in 4 World Long Drive championships, golfers were offered the opportunity to participate in a ‘Hole in 2’ competition, with a minimum donation that could win them a 3-day trip to San Francisco’s Pebble Beach Lodge.

***Michael Watson promoting the ‘Hole in 2’ competition. Photo by Gabby Daniels***

“There have been so many generous people out here today,” Watson said. “We have gotten a lot of donations, and it has been really fun doing this for the Meyers and the foundation.”

With directing members Irene Rodgers and Janet Romeo of the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island in attendance, anyone at the event was able to learn more about the disorder. The foundation, founded in 1953, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research and connection.”

“We were so touched and honored that the Meyers reached out to us because it gives us the chance to share the resources and education opportunities we offer within the organization,” said Rodgers.

“We are there for anyone and everyone that has a diagnosis, but we also support their loved ones, their caregivers, and anyone else interested. We provide support, information and referrals; we provide training in seizure recognition, and we advocate. Whatever they need, we want to be there.”

Gabby Daniels is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s
School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Sweetbriar Nature Center hosts 7th annual Taps and Talons fundraiser

by Jennifer Donatelli - October 5, 2024

0 523

image1 (6) — A scene from Sweetbriar Nature Center's 2024 Taps and Talons fundraiser. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

1 of 6

By Jennifer Donatelli

Sweetbriar Nature Center, located in the heart of Smithtown, hosted its 7th annual Taps and Talons fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The event, which draws hundreds of people from the local community each year, featured live music, food, raffles and the main attraction: wildlife demonstrations.

Elizabeth Santosus, chairman of the board at Sweetbriar Nature Preserve, explained, “I came up with the idea for this event when I visited family in Alabama and attended something similar there. I took their concept, brought it to Long Island, and we held our first Taps and Talons fundraiser in 2017.”

“It’s a great community and everyone’s mellow and laid back. I just want to make the people happy, and this is our way of doing just that,” she continued.

A special perk of the event are the local breweries and beer clubs that come to donate their drinks and educate people on the art of homebrewing.

In addition to the beer, food is also a major draw. Volunteers and food trucks served everything from Alabama pulled pork and ribs to homemade lasagna.

Visitors were thrilled to see the center’s owls up close, take pictures and learn about the rehabilitation programs offered at Sweetbriar.

Sue Dawson, a resident of Smithtown who attended the event with her friend, said she has been coming to Sweetbriar Nature for over 40 years.

“I love this place and I love this event especially because I get thirsty and need a beer,” Dawson said with a laugh.

Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied gardens, woodlands, fields and wetland habitats along the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals call this land home.

All proceeds from the event will help the center in its mission to educate the public about native wildlife and rehabilitation. Through education and examples, they encourage responsible decision-making, appreciation and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on the Island. You can find out more about the nature preserve on their website, www.sweetbriar.org.

WMHO announces ‘Fall for All’ historic fundraising events

by Press Release - October 5, 2024

0 404

1 of 3

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) invites the community to participate in its exciting “Fall for All” fundraising events this October, set against the backdrop of the historic Thompson House (c. 1709) and Brewster House (c. 1665) in Setauket. The unique tours will allow guests to explore these century-old treasures, while raising vital funds to support the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751) following the severe flooding on August 19.

Tours of the Thompson House, 91 North Country Road, Setauket will be held on Monday, Oct. 14 (Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day) at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Guests will delve into the life of patriot, farmer, and doctor Samuel Thompson and discover the rich history of those who lived and worked in the Thompson House. A special exhibit, “Pharmacy through Time,” created by the WMHO Youth Corps, will showcase the evolution of medicinal remedies.

Tours of the Brewster House, 25 Brewster Lane, Setauket will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Step back in time at the historic tavern and inn, where guests will engage with historic characters in an immersive, family-friendly experience. Enjoy colonial crafts, activities, and entertaining skits, alongside guided tours by knowledgeable docents.

Tickets to each tour are $12 adults, $5 children or purchase a Bundle Ticket (both events) at $20 for adults, $10 for children. To register for these events, please call WMHO at 631-751-2244.

Winners of ShopRite Run the Farm race at Hobbs Farm announced

by Press Release - August 13, 2024

0 569

1 of 3

On August 10, Town of Brookhaven Councilman Neil Manzella and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle co-hosted the Annual Shoprite Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk to benefit Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach. Hundreds of runners and spectators attend the Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk each year. This year, over 200 runners participated and more than 350 community members joined the post-race celebrations. Hunter Wilson was the male leader at 21 minutes, 16 seconds and Grace Miller was the female leader at 25 minutes, 31 seconds. Ms. Miller beat her own record from last year.

The historic Bethel Hobbs Community Farm is one of Long Island’s last remaining, all-volunteer farms. Established in 1906, this not-for-profit farm embodies the spirit of giving by donating as much as 90% of its annual harvest to feed those less fortunate. Hobbs Farm raises over 100,000 pounds of food each year which is donated to various food pantries around Long Island.

Councilman Manzella and Town Clerk LaValle thanked the organizers and runners who participated as well as the sponsors, Suffolk County Police Department 6th Precinct; Town of Brookhaven Highway Department; Town of Brookhaven Public Safety; Centereach Fire Department; and the event producers, EliteFeats. They also acknowledged Hobbs Farm owner, Ann Pellegrino, all the dedicated volunteers and vendors who helped make the Shoprite Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk.

They also thanked the event sponsors, including Suffolk County Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Nick Caracappa; ShopRite; New York Blood & Cancer; Pepsi; Bethel AME Church; Middle Country Chamber of Commerce; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Stony Brook UUP; Mondelez International; Frito Lay; Team Rita; Island Nursing and Rehab; Techworks; Brooklyn Delights; Bimbo Bakeries; Campbells and Dunkin Donuts.

Photo of the Week

by TBR Staff - August 9, 2024

0 365

LEMONADE FOR A GREAT CAUSE

The Riley family from the Stony Brook School recently ran a successful lemonade stand and bake sale at Frank Melville Memorial Park in Setauket to help support the beautiful private park and refresh its visitors. The children earned community service hours for their efforts.

If you know of a child that needs community service hours and would like to help raise money for the park by holding a traditional lemonade stand, bake sale, etc., email [email protected]. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]

12 3...10 Next

Page 1 of 10