Surfside 3 Marina of Lindenhurst along with Blue Honu Restaurant of Huntington and the David Cone Foundation kicked off the boating season with a fundraiser to benefit the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). This year’s theme "Caribbean Craze" featured a steel drum band, exotic birds, and appearances by former New York Mets and Yankee pitcher, David Cone, New York Jet quarterback Chad Pennington, and former head coach of the New York Giants Jim Fassel.

For more than a decade, Surfside owners Paul and Matt Barbara have been hosting fundraisers with different themes for various charitable causes. "We have been raising money to prevent child abuse, children’s diabetes, and the pollution of the Long Island Sound, but this is the first year with the David Cone Foundation and the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease, because this fight is personal," explained Matt Barbara because someone close to the Surfside family has been diagnosed with the disease. "The most heartwarming aspect of tonight’s event is the outpouring of support from Surfside 3 Marina customers. Their loyalty and generosity is extremely gratifying," said Hellen Barbara, special events coordinator for Surfside 3 Marina.

Blue Honu, Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Partnership’s 2003 Restaurant of the Year, closed its doors to the public and donated all of the food and drinks for the evening. "Working with charitable organizations and the Barbara family has been a very rewarding experience for my brother David and I. We are happy to give something back to the community which has made our businesses so successful and are open to do the same with anyone who needs help," said John Tunney, owner of Blue Honu Restaurant.

The event which raised over $50,000, will be used to support advancements and scientific research to help find a cure for the disease. Surfside 3 Marina is also sponsoring this year’s ALS Ride For Life journey from New York City to Montauk Point in motorized wheelchairs led by Chris Pendergast, the founder of the organization, beginning May 7 at City Hall. Ride For Life expects the trek to earn close to $1,000,000.

Lef to right, Director Jennifer Lowy, Donna Verni, Debra and Paul Barbara, and Chris Pendergast, the founder of the organization.

Photos by Joe Turner