Community support was at its best on Sunday, Oct. 25, as Mill Creek Tavern in Bayville played host to a fundraiser benefiting a local woman who lost her leg in a boating accident last summer. Several hundred people turned out at the afternoon’s event, which included a barbecue buffet, live music and raffles,100 percent of the proceeds of which are going directly to Bayville resident Edyta Regnowski.
“Edyta is my neighbor and she’s a big part of our community,” said Rich Cutler, owner of Mill Creek Tavern. “I’m fortunate enough to have an establishment so that I can host an event like this. The local support has been unbelievable.”
Cutler and other local business owners, as well as many Bayville residents, joined forces soon after the Aug. 8 accident to provide support for Regnowski. From the roommate and close friends who took care of her dogs to the folks who decided to set up a trust to help pay for medical expenses, the prosthetic leg and to help make up for the living costs while she was in the hospital and not working, members of the community have all played a part in helping Regnowski get through this ordeal and get her life back together.
“A lot of people have donated their time and money,” said Cutler of the day’s event. “It’s really important for us, as a community, to come together for a great cause.”
Cutler said Regnowski needs $90,000 for living expenses; a trust was set up by “Edyta’s Angels” called Edyta’s Supplemental Needs Trust, whose members include John Barlowe, Jr., Joanna Dinolfa and Kevin Murtha.
Regnowski, who spent more than two months in the hospital and was released a little more than week before the fundraiser, was making the rounds as people greeted her to wish her well. She said she was thankful for support and feeling well. The 34-year-old woman has always been active and loves outdoor sports, so she will have a lot of adjustments to make. A native of Poland, she came to the United States in 2000 on a student exchange program and decided to stay. She then attended State University of New York at Farmingdale and obtained a degree in dental hygiene. She has worked in Bayville as a registered dental hygienist ever since.
“She’s a fighter,” said Cutler. “She’s an example of how to fight and she’s got a great attitude. We can learn from Edyta and that’s really what it’s about; learning from her and her adversity and to give back to her.”
Merchants who donated prizes included Coach Grill of Oyster Bay; Doggy Day Spa in Syosset; Not Just Art of Oyster Bay; Meridien Kitchen in Locust Valley; Soundview Caterers of Bayville; Glen Cove Nail; Shred Sled Skateboard, Visentin Bike and Pro of Oyster Bay; Ralph’s Pizza; Blue Water Spa and Skin Care by Cathy.
“In life you have one shot and I think God put us here to give back and not just take and it’s important for the family and community to see people give and this community’s been great about it,” said Cutler.
