ANNUAL COCKTAIL PARTY RAISES FUNDS TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER

October 17, 2016 -- More than 170 guests filled the American Legion Hall in Glen Head this past Friday evening for the 2016 Pre-Holiday Cocktail Party, an annual fundraiser dedicated to spreading holiday cheer. Organized by Glen Head resident Ken Kraft, proceeds will go towards creating and delivering food baskets to needy families and seniors during the holiday season.  

"I started the food drive parties in 2004 for the purpose of bringing our local residents into the Legion to see what we were trying to do for the North Shore community," Mr. Kraft said.  "When I began this idea, I had six local restaurants, delis, and pizza shops that donated full trays of food that all of us would eat during the evening while we raised funds from our bar as well as numerous donations jars around our banquet room."  The event has grown tremendously, with 36 merchants contributing either food trays or donations this past Friday evening.  

Local groups and residents also lent a huge hand.   American Legion members helped prepare the food, worked the bar,collected donations, and ran the 50/50 raffle.  
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The Blue Collar Band provided the entertainment, performing a rich mix of classic rock n roll.  

Clearly pleased with the turnout, an ebullient Mr. Kraft declared the event a huge success with the generous donations being able to feed dozens of families and seniors Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners

The Glen Cove Senior Center provides the names of seniors who will receive hot meals prepared by Brookville Deli and Catering the day before each holiday, and Mutual Concerns identifies families in need who will have the opportunity to pick up holiday food boxes at the American Legion post this November and December.  

Every March or April Mr. Kraft also organizes an Easter Food Drive Cocktail party in which guests bring a "pot luck" dish for all to share as funds are raised.  

"Although many communities have struggled with the tough economic times over recent years," he said, "I am both amazed and extremely pleased to see so many merchants come to our aid in this meaningful endeavor." 

​Photos by Deb Gordon and Northwordnews

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