Fundraiser Benefits Arthritis Organization

A fundraising luncheon in suport of the Long Island chapter of the Arthritis Foundation drew supporters to the Huntington Hilton event last week.

The Long Island chapter, covering both Nassau and Suffolk Counties, provides  programs that help Long Islanders affected with arthritis as well as their families. Services range from educational lectures to land and water exercise programs, telephone help lines and support groups. Community arthritis self help courses also provide a closer look at the disease while teaching strategic coping methods to put the patient back in control.

 The Arthritis Foundation’s website notes that “An estimated 50 million adults in the U.S. suffer from more than 100 different rheumatic diseases that comprise arthritis.”

This is why Patrick McAsey, the president of the Long Island Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, says that events like this are so important. “Our purpose is to raise awareness, raise funds for research, find the ultimate answers. It is about education, public health, and advocacy so that people with arthritis can do more; with 50 million people in this country living with arthritis it is the leading cause of disability.”

The Arthritis Foundation, on a national level, aims to help those living with the disease by developing the proper procedures for eradicating the disease altogether.

Many local businesses helped sponsor the luncheon at the Huntington Hilton including Ultimate Class Limousine, TD Bank, jetBlue, , Martha Clara Vineyard, Capital One Bank, National Grid , KJoy, BLI, and WBAB to name a few. The silent and live auctions incorporated over one hundred items and/or services up for bid with something for everyone. 

Some offers were as luxurious as two jetBlue tickets to anywhere they fly, an overnight stay for two couples at the historic OHEKA Castle, and Orchestra tickets to the new musical comedy “Sister Act” at the Broadway Theater with dinner for four and roundtrip limousine transportation provided by Ultimate Class Limo.

Other prizes included a dinner party for six at your home by professional chef Lance Kindberg, flower delivery to your home every month for a year by Art Flower & Gift, VIP Wine Tasting for six at Martha Clara Vineyards, as well as a Day of Beauty from Cactus Salon. For the sports fanatics there were Yankee tickets donated by the law office of Jeffrey S. Schwartz, Mets tickets donated by Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, and an embossed 2010 New York Giants Team Collector’s football donated by the New York Giants. Guests were able to peruse the silent auction items during the luncheon while being serenaded by the harmonies of the a cappella vocal group, “The Persuasions.”

“Currently more than 500,000 of our Long Island friends and neighbors suffer from arthritis,” said Matthew Silver, committee chairman for the Arthritis Foundation Long Island Chapter. “More than 3,000 of these are children- infants, toddlers and teenagers. The Arthritis Foundation is committed to offering services that help fund research to find the cure.”

The event also brought out local talent who came out to support the cause as VIP guests. Magician Harry Mandel commented that it is important to recognize those who are suffering. “The kids break my heart.” He went on to explain why the research is so important. “Arthritis affects everyone. No matter who you are if you live long enough you are going to get it.”

Wrestler Jimmy Carfora, from the HBO series “Family Bonds” has been a part of this mission for about 5 or 6 years now as arthritis has personally affected his life. “I recently had surgery to clear out the arthritis. The rehab is difficult. I have seen kids with arthritis and it is a shame. I hope we can find a cure, especially for them. Maybe someday we can, and during their lifetime.”

Last year the auction raised over $50,000 to help those with arthritis on Long Island and this year they strive to raise even more so that they can help even more. “We can all be proud of how many thousands of children and adults with arthritis have been helped through the proceeds from this festive event over the past two decades,” said Matthew Silver, committee chairman, and their giving will continue in the years to come.

For more information about the Long Island chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.arthritis.org/chapters/long-island.