East Meadow camaraderie is ‘stronger than ever’

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On a hot summer day, members of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis clubs brought their families to Forest City Community Park in Wantagh for the third joint picnic held by the two organizations.

More than 100 people gathered in the park on July 7, enjoying a feast with friends, neighbors and colleagues. “Every year the picnic grows,” said Chamber of Commerce President Frank Camarano. “We had so many people come, and the weather was absolutely perfect. The camaraderie between the Kiwanis and the chamber, I’m glad to say, is as strong as ever.”

Camarano explained that in East Meadow, there is a large overlap between the two organizations, which held separate picnics until they merged the events in 2016. “People get to meet people that they wouldn’t at a chamber or Kiwanis meeting,” he said.

“We get a chance to network with the business members of the community and vice versa,” added Debbie Kirsch, a co-chair of the picnic and a member of both organizations.

The chamber and Kiwanis unite for many community events and fundraisers throughout the year, such as the Steven J. Eisman Memorial Golf Outing. Set for July 23 on Eisenhower Park’s Red Course, the annual outing often draws more than 100 guests, and last year raised over $15,000 for various causes.

One of the main beneficiaries of the outing is Kamp Kiwanis, in upstate Taberg, a summer camp for underprivileged children. The fundraiser also donates to community scholarships, the Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Easterseals veteran support foundation. Dinner at Borelli’s in East Meadow will follow the tournament at 6 p.m.