Bidding farewell to a long and blustery winter, East End residents gathered for cocktails, finger foods and frosty treats at the Snow Ball Benefit hosted by the Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE).
The three-year-old museum, located in Bridgehampton, welcomes an estimated 40,000 visitors each year to play and enjoy a host of interactive learning experiences—from science workshops and cooking classes to music and art programs. Families can also explore numerous indoor and outdoor exhibits that showcase the East End’s agricultural and fishing industries.
The Snow Ball was organized by a group of Suffolk moms whose families frequent the Children’s Museum of the East End and enjoy its many offerings. Proceeds from the event are being used to help update CMEE’s exhibits.
The highlight of the evening? Sno-Balls, a New Orleans style shaved ice treat, compliments of Belly’s Sno-Balls, served up by Megan Marcotrigiano and Patrick Harden.
Long Islanders with big hearts and no fear of frigid temps plunged into the icy waters of the Great South Bay one day last month for the 2009 “Freezin’ for a Reason” Long Island Polar Dip.
The event, held at James Caples Memorial Park Beach in Amityville, supports the efforts of Camp Sunshine, a year-round, one-of-a-kind respite for children with life-threatening illnesses. Along with their parents and siblings, campers take a week-long break from the daily worries of their health concerns to play, unwind and simply enjoy family time.
Participants reportedly raised $27, 000—enough to send 18 Long Island families to Camp Sunshine’s unique retreat in Casco, Maine. The program is free of charge to participating families, and includes outdoor recreation, entertainment and 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support.
To register for next year’s event or to learn more about Camp Sunshine, go to www.freezinforareason.com or www.campsunshine.org.
