Raising to raise money for SIBSPlace in Garden City

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Churchill Downs was the place to see the historic Kentucky Derby on May 4, but the Garden City Hotel last Saturday was where 225 supporters of SIBSPlace gathered for the 19th annual auction/Casino event and to raise money for the Hewlett-based free program of South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside that offers support for children 5-17 who have a sibling or a parent suffering from cancer or another devastating illness.

Honoree Lewis Okin, president of Green Art Plumbing Supply and East Coast Sprinkler Supply, was recognized for his guidance, support and generosity all 19 years of SIBSPlace, including the yearly auctions and barbecues. SIBSPlace Executive Director Suzanne Kornblatt said: “He cares deeply for the mission of SIBSPlace.”

Bruce Levitt, owner of Mur-Lee’s Mens and Boys Shop in Lynbrook, was the recipient of the second annual Helene Wrenn Memorial Award. Early on he recognized the importance of SIBSPlace. He has made it a point of sharing SIBSPlace’s success, “He is deeply appreciated for his generous support which has been essential in every auction since it began,” Kornblatt said.

Using the ibidit.com system, guests were guided to silently bid on an array of items that ranged from several autographed items, including Mookie Wilson’s famous run to first base in the 1986 Word Series to a guitar signed by Beatle legend Sir Paul McCartney.