This year’s Swim-A-Cross at Centre Island Beach in Bayville, is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Besides being the 20th anniversary of the fundraising swim, there will be a rocking party on the shore. As always, funds will go toward the American Red Cross in Nassau County and its local disaster relief services.
“We are very excited about this year’s event,” said Frank Cassano, CEO of the Nassau Red Cross. “I can’t think of a funner way to raise funds than a party on the beach.”
Open to the public, the 20th Annual Swim-A-Cross and Beach Bash BBQ is being held Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 to 4 p.m. Admission is $10; $5 for ages 12 and under. Beach Bash activities include:
• The New York Islanders ICE Tour — complete with inflatables, interactive games, and maybe a surprise guest or two!
• Live music by Terminal Ileum, a Long Island-based band playing hits from the ‘60s to today.
• Burgers and hot dogs courtesy of Big Daddy’s BBQ.
• Music and giveaways by WBAB 102.3 FM and WBLI 106.1 FM.
The Swim-A-Cross itself will take place at 1:30 p.m., when youth ages 8 to 12 hit the water for a 50-yard swim along the shoreline. They will be followed by teens and adults who will swim distances up to a mile. Nearly 200 swimmers are expected to participate.
Registration is $30 ($10 for ages 8-12) and entitles swimmers to an event T-shirt, towel, swim cap and the Beach Bash BBQ. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., and swimmers may register at the beach or online at www.nassauredcross.org.
Swimmers are encouraged to raise additional funds, up until Aug. 30. Prizes will be given to the top overall fundraisers.
“It is important to remember that we are doing this for a reason and we really need your help,” said Cassano. “It is up to the local Red Cross chapter to raise funds for local disasters like house fires. The past two years have been extremely busy and we don’t expect any decline.”
The Nassau Red Cross has responded to 239 local emergencies—mainly house fires—over the past two years. At which, nearly $250,000 in food, clothing and shelter were provided to nearly 1,200 Long Islanders. According to Cassano, all funds donated to the Nassau Red Cross for local relief stay in Nassau County.
Sponsors for this year’s event include the N.Y. Islanders; Coca-Cola; News 12 Long Island; WBAB/WBLI; Town of Oyster Bay; Town of Hempstead; Coffee Distributors; Western Beef; John Specce Agency Inc, State Farm Insurance Agent; and Koeppel, Martone & Leistman, LLP.
To learn more about the 20th Annual Swim-A-Cross and Beach Bash BBQ, visit www.nassauredcross.org or call (516) 747-3500.
