Kiwanis Aims to Help Those In Need Through Upcoming Fundraisers

Raising nearly $50,000 each year, the 22-year-old Westhampton Kiwanis Club can do a lot for community members in need, but raising that money takes a lot of hard work and dedication, according to Greg Menegio, East Moriches resident and past president of the club.

Each spring, the Kiwanis kicks-off its annual fundraising campaigns to fund its community service projects, starting with its annual casino night, which Menegio said is always a hit.

This year's casino night will be held on Friday, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Villa Tuscano in Hampton Bays. The club brings in roulette wheels and tables for craps, blackjack and poker. And for $85, attendees can enjoy an evening of food and gaming for prizes.

"We have a lot of fun at this event," said Menegio, who said it is one of the club's biggest fundraisers.

But still, in order to bring to fruition all of their community service projects, including helping Maureen's Haven in the winter; paying electric bills and for medications for residents in need; providing the ambulance companies from East Moriches to East Quogue with trauma kits, stretchers and ventilators; and supplying school districts with well over 100 dictionaries, more money is needed.

Enter the annual carnivall. Each year, the Kiwanis hosts a carnival at Gabreski airport, bringing in hundreds of families, who enjoy rides and games while also supporting the Kiwanis Club. This year, the annual carnival will be held in late July or Early August — a date depends on construction at Gabreski.

The carnival, however, may be short-lived since a new location will soon need with Gabreski on its way to becoming home to a new business development project, said Menegio.

That is one reason why the club founded an annual Oyster Festival last summer. The festival, in its first year, brought out hundreds during Columbus Day weekend at the Westhampton Beach Marina. Attendees enjoyed seafood while also learning about the area's waterways.

The second annual Oyster Festival is already in planning and Menegio said he believes it will only get bigger and better.

Aside from the Oyster Festival and carnival, the club also hosts a golf outing and a pancake breakfast.

"We feel like we make a big impact on the community," said Menegio. "And it's a great feeling."

Anyone is welcome to join the Kiwanis Club, which meets weekly at Villa Tuscano at 6:30 p.m.

To read Menegio's blog on community service, click here and to find out more about upcoming Kiwanis Fundraisers, click here or e-mail whkiwanis@gmail.com

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