LVFD Raises over $17,000 for Operation Wounded Warrior!
The Officers and Members of the Locust Valley Fire Department would like to thank all those who came out in support of the 2nd Annual Operation Wounded Warrior Spaghetti Dinner. We would especially like to thank Peter Morris for his leadership and guidance in the kitchen, the local businessness who generously donated door prizes, and the community who came out in support of this wonderful cause. We would also like to congratulate our co-chairs for the event: Paul Long, Paul Marecki, and Brian Plumb on exceeding even their highest expectations.
The following was coverage of the event that appeared in the October 13, 2009 edition of the Locust Valley Leader:
On Saturday October 10, the Locust Valley Fire Department volunteer firefighters once again answered the call and illustrated their selfless dedication to our nation's wounded service personnel. The ardent effort of planning by the firefighters had called on the whole community to raise funds and awareness for the department's second annual fundraiser for Operation Wounded Warrior. The civilian non-profit 501c (3) organization was founded by members of the Nassau County Fire Department and is dedicated to the members of the U.S. military who "sail into harm's way to dare greatly to fight those who attacked the United States.” The Locust Valley Fire Department's committee, co-chaired by Paul Long, Paul Marecki and Brian Plumb, held a spaghetti dinner that offered a unique opportunity for the community to enjoy some great food (especially due to the expertise of Pete Morris) and to support the men and women in the military services that need our help acclimating back to the civilian world after suffering injuries in combat operations that support freedom for not only Americans, but for those around the world who are under the cruel hand of oppression.
The firehouse was packed with members of the community, who between bites of the spaghetti and other fixings, learned more about the project. A large table with donated prizes and raffle items from businesses and other members of the community flanked the dining tables and a slide show was running to show just how the donated funds are being put to use; helping wounded warriors on their road to recovery. Attendees with plates full of spaghetti and meat balls, salads, and desserts, filled the transformed firehouse as the friends, family, guests, veterans, and others reflected upon the importance of the project.
The volunteer fire fighters on Saturday night were focused on the service men and women who have returned home and are in dire need for the community's help and support. From the kitchen facilities on the second floor of the fire house to directing traffic, collecting tickets, and serving food, the firefighters and other volunteers were hard at work. According to Chairman Long, "It has been very demanding on all of the fire department members that were involved, with hours of planning, hours of labor over food preparation, hours of heavy lifting with regard to pickup and return of loaned tables and chairs and many other chores associated with the event. However, as all of the members have said, this is such a small thing that we do when compared to the sacrifices made, on our behalf, by the young men and women serving in our armed forces. Add to this the hundreds of positive comments that we received from our neighbors during the event for hosting the fundraiser, makes it all the more rewarding. Next month, the OWW committee will begin purchasing the items to fill the trucks and some of our Locust Valley Fire Department members will once again be making the trip down to the hospitals and military bases in early December. We look forward to making the trip and representing the Locust Valley community and Nassau County".
For more information regarding Operation Wounded Warrior, please visit www.ncff-oww.com. Those members of the community that would like to make a donation to the organization can also mail a donation to the Locust Valley Fire Department, C/O Paul Long, 228 Buckram Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. (Checks payable to Operation Wounded Warrior.) Also feel free to call co-chair Long directly at 516-676-5104.
The event raised over $17,000 and counting for the heroes who serve and who have been injured. Also highlighted were a host of other heroes; the volunteer firefighters of the Locust Valley Fire Department, the business owners who donated prizes for the raffles, and the large assortment of community members who came out to support the event and Operation Wounded Warrior. (by Adam Grohman)