Sunday, May 22, was Alper’s True Value Karmacue—the 8th annual BBQ festival on Irma Avenue. What an enjoyable day it was. Alper’s hosted one of the largest crowds ever for this important fundraiser. It was the best Karmacue to date.
Sam Alper opened his store in 1911 as a jewelry store, and while much has changed since, the Alper’s True Value Hardware family continues to be an extraordinary example of a Port business giving back to the community. Karmacue, the brain child of Adam Novick (a fourth-generation Alper) is designed to bring the Port community together in the spirit of good “Karma,” to eat yummy BBQ for a great cause. Alper’s donates 100-percent of the proceeds (over $30,000 to date) to the Community Chest of Port Washington, a venerable Port charity. In its 67 years, the Community Chest has helped well over 100,000 residents and given out over $5 million in grants.
The success of Karmacue is shared by many, and I’d like to take a moment now to thank you all. From the attendees, sponsors, musicians and Port Washington Crisis Relief Team to all others who donated their time—I am in awe of your generosity. I especially want to thank Robyn Croutch and Michael Schwartzman, who functioned as the day’s MC and the cook-off’s work judge respectively, who assisted Adam throughout the day. A special thank you to the Town of North Hempstead for the use of the Showmobile, the street closure permit and for its cooperation throughout the year. Your ongoing support is the essence of true partnership.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the eight BBQ teams who perfected their spice rubs, arrived at 4 a.m. and cooked ribs for 1,000 people on their own time. My abiding gratitude to Adam Novick and the entire Alper’s Hardware family and staff for embracing this tradition and committing their time and energy to Port. Port is a magical town, whose kindness and beauty is often lost on those who are struggling. I count my blessings that I am surrounded by the dedication, concern and generosity of so many. —Julie Harnick
