Since the fall of 2020, over $8,600 has gone directly to the Rudman Family Food Pantry, thanks to the generosity of POB Chamber members and others in our community. The UJA Federation has matched every dollar of this record amount.
In the past, the Chamber was able to raise about $4,000 for its annual charity partners; most of it at big events like our Fall Festival and Holiday Party. Without those fundraisers this year, the Chamber, like so many others, took their cause virtually — and it paid off substantially. Three successful fundraisers were held between the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. This year’s charity was especially needy as so many seniors and families found themselves food insecure during the pandemic. Since March 2020, the pantry saw its demand increase to fourfold. POB Chamber President Andrew Lamkin: “The Chamber of Commerce was honored to partner with the Rudman Family Food Pantry and help raise money for such a worthwhile cause. In a year that tested our community spirit, the members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber and the residents of our great community came together to help those who need it most.”
This impressive fundraising effort owes its success first and foremost to all the generous prize donors, some of whom donated to multiple events. Please keep these local businesses (listed below) in mind and support them whenever possible. A big thank you to all those who purchased raffle tickets — congratulations to all the winners!
GYMGUYZ – Heidi Loiacono
Coliseum Kitchen & Caterers – Ralph Galdorisi
Town Bagel – Steve Cohen
Mario’s Ristorante – Peter Spanos
High Tide Taco Bar – Jeff Rumman
Water Solutions of Long Island – Alan Goldberg
MRG Marketing – Sherri Gillespie
Regent Investigations – Doug Hilfman
Prime Promotions – Gregg Whiton
Seniors Helping Seniors – Reema Nirola
Levine & Wiss, PLLC – Scott Wiss
Fit to Function Physical Therapy – Sangeeta Ahuja
Ridgewood Savings Bank – Brian Bernstein
Sweet Karma Desserts – Brian Fishman
Optix Family Eyecare – Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
Pictured: Chamber President Andrew Lamkin and Executive VP David Weinstein (right); Mid-Island Y JCC CEO Rick Lewis and Director of Volunteer Services Gail Warrack.