| John Mitty Wednesday, November 28, 2012 |
Hauppauge soccer raises $15,000 & 9600 pounds of food for island harvest & american red cross to aid long islanders devistated by hurricane sandy hauppauge soccer cooks for residents of long beach devastated by hurricane sandy
The Hauppauge Soccer League held its First Annual Hauppauge Kicks In Food Drive & Fundraiser on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Hauppauge High School. Almost 1000 kids participated in various club “friendly’s”, volunteered their time by packing and labeling boxes, setting up tables & tents and selling raffle tickets throughout the day. Through team contributions, food & concession sales and raffle tickets the club raised over $15,000.
Entertainment included 4 Long Island rock bands headlined by a special acoustic performance by Randy Jackson of Zebra. All donations were directly sent to Island Harvest & the American Red Cross.
“As a community, Hauppauge came out in full force to do our small share to help our neighbors and fellow Long Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Hauppauge Soccer President Pedro Contreras. “Frankly, I was overwhelmed by the support the town showed in putting together this event in 7 days and shocked when I heard of the matching donation.”
Smithtown resident and former Major Leaguer Frank Catalanotto started the festivities with the traditional baseball call, “PLAY BALL” to begin a day of 72 soccer games and clinics throughout the day. Later, former New York Mets legend, Long Island Ducks co-owner and Hauppauge resident Buddy Harrelson thanked the 2250 guests throughout the day. “My kids and my grandkids graduated from this school and my grandson is a junior here now. I have had proud moments in this town but I’ve never been as proud of this town as I am for the selflessness I am witnessing today. Thank you Hauppauge!”
The food drive also included household items and necessities such as cleaning supplies, flashlights, batteries and toiletries and filled six truckloads. “We can’t thank Hauppauge Soccer enough for all their efforts in raising 9400 pounds. of food and delivering it to our warehouse in Hauppauge! That’s incredible!” said Doreen Principe of Island Harvest. “To give perspective,
9400 pounds supplements 7,833 meals right here on Long Island.”
Long Island band “Hurricane”, covered classic rock songs led by drummer and Hauppauge resident Tom Abruscato. Also playing a various range of rock songs were Hauppauge Middle School Social Studies teacher Mr. (Jeff) Parrett and his son Chris Parrett.
The entertainment highlight of the night was an acoustic performance by Randy Jackson of the legendary band Zebra. Thanks to promotion by WBAB and WBLI many Zebra fans attended. “When I heard of this community rallying to support fellow Long Islanders, I couldn’t say no,” said Jackson. “I’m honored they asked and I’m humbled to help.” Jackson had a gig in Lafayette, Louisiana the night before and performed after landing at JFK only 2 hours before his set. And he did not let anyone down performing Zebra hits “Tell Me What You Want”, “Take Your Fingers from my Hair” and “Who’s Behind the Door” as well as covering Elton John, Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin and The Doors.
“One of the most emotional moments of the day was when two trucks pulled up to us while we were cleaning up,” said Contreras. “One of our travel teams played in a tournament against a team from upstate and they heard what we were doing and dropped off cases and cases of water and cleaning supplies. It was moving. We hope to make this an annual event.”
This past Sunday, November 26, 2012, a group of Hauppauge residents, many from Hauppauge Soccer League, went to the Long Beach Catholic School to cook for local residents devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The school is a disaster recovery center where residents can come and get some of the basic necessities for their everyday life - water, toilet paper, cleaning supplies
and clothing. They prepared hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken for the families who were left with nothing. "I was shocked to hear the stories of the lives devastated by Hurricane Sandy", said Hauppauge resident Joe Grippo, who help organized the Hurricane Sandy fundraiser. "We were lucky in Hauppauge. Most of us sustained some tree damage and were inconvenienced
with days of no power but were spared the turmoil these people are facing. I am glad that we could come out today and provide them with a hot meal and show them that people care."
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