Clam Shucking Fundraiser in Kismet

Margaret Campise, President photo by jeannie

‘We had another banner year at the 17th Annual Clam Shucking Contest. This year brought in $59,000 to this date and counting, up $5K from last year! I want to thank the owners of the Surf's Out Restaurant for hosting the event again, all the help and support they gave and the people of Kismet who are all so enthusiastic and eager to help the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition raise the funds needed to support our Lend A Helping Hand program that provides services to the many women going through breast cancer treatments, and post surgical needs. A big thank you also to our sponsors The Fire Island Ferries, and Atlantic Hyundai, all the many, many volunteers, donators and merchants without whom nothing would be possible. It is a true joint effort to achieve this successful event each year, and every single person, contributes a very important part in the success.

Thank You Everyone!!

Margaret Campise

President

Clam Shucking Contest/ Breast Cancer Fundraiser in Kismet -

by Bradlee White Photos by Bradlee & Jeannie

It has never rained in all the years that Kismet has hosted the Henry Gates Memorial Clam Shucking Event benefiting West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition (WIBCC) – until this, the 17^th year. Fortunately, the downpour didn’t start until 3 p.m., and did not stop hundreds of residents and visitors from enjoying the Tennis Clinics, the fabulous food and drink offerings, the many raffles,

the children’s corn shucking,

the music pumped out by local DJ Brian Kelley (DJBK) and, of course, the signature event, the Clam Shucking contest. In addition to major sponsors New York Automotive Giant (Atlantic Hyundai), Fire Island Ferries and Surf’s Out, the event drew donations of food, beverages and prizes from over 100 businesses and individuals. Scores of volunteers, spearheaded by WIBCC’s Margaret Campise and Kismet’s Jane Mooney and Deborah Sommeso, worked tirelessly pulling together to bring in close to $60,000.

Counting the money

Due to family illness, Binnie was unable to oversee the tennis clinics but Maxine from Dunewood, along with Warren and Lee, did a wonderful job. Again volunteer professionals from the U.S. Tennis Association -- Pros Danny Burgess, Ed Wolforth, Bell Mecca, Ashley Horishny, Joel Sieghart, Alex Ludman, Carl Sumerlin and Warren – instructed both kids and adults.

Official fundraising events included t-shirt sales, the Chinese raffle featuring hundreds of items in pretty pink paper bags, a number Silent Auction items including sports memorabilia, jewelry and a stay at MargaritaVillas. Janet Mennella was a winner as was Samara who scooped up 4 or 5 prizes. There was a 50-50 raffle (Joe & Joan M. won and donated $500 back to WIBCC), and a Wagon of Cheer (Paul Barbara). Big ticket drawing items included a Hyundai car (the Sommesos?), Jet Blue tickets (Kevin B), a 32” HDTV (Phil Dorebo), a Budweiser bike (Cathy of W. Islip), a Sea Cruise (Angela) and a Kismet weekend donated by Tom & Denise Woolsey (Regina E). Three women donated $375 for a date with Surf’s Out Alex

while a bid of $275 won a date with Jerry.

Sold to the three ladies!

For the 7^th year, cousins Sarah, Lianna, Lindsay and Samantha, staying in Dynasty, sold jewelry and hand-made items for WIBCC and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer charity.

Selling 50/50 raffles

50/50 Winners J&J

Courtney and Ashleigh also sold jewelry while Danielle, Merissa, Shaelyn and Olivia sold feathery hair extensions.

There were prizes for the young children: skateboards etc. for beginning tennis players and Disney Mickey’s and Minnies for the Corn Shuckers.

The many event volunteers included Fire Chief Dom Bertucci MC’ing the tent events, Buddy patiently helping youngsters through the Corn Shucking, Brittany and Brittany timing the Shuckers with John A. judging. Long-time volunteers Rose L, Kelly and others served food. Linda S., Dawn, Lauren & Cheryl handled signups for the big-box prize drawings while Ginny B. oversaw the Chinese Auction. Xanadu’s Joyce, Joanie & Judy sold T-shirts and, for the 17^th year, Rose Lem, headed up ticket sales. Other volunteers included Art W. and the other cooks, the roving young ticket sellers, the people selling the Hyundai raffle in the Gazebo and probably a good number behind the scenes that none of us ever saw. All of them and every person attending helped make this event a wonderful, gratifying experience – even if some of us went home wet.

PRE EVENT PREPARATION

The ladies came out and really worked getting the silent auction items wrapped and ready