L.B. Waterfront Warriors to hold fundraiser at Lola’s

The Long Beach Waterfront Warriors, a group of volunteers who assist wounded, ill and injured soldiers, will hold a fundraiser at Lola’s Kitchen & Wine Bar, 180 W. Park Ave., on Monday, May 19.  Lola’s will provide an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m., all for $50 per person. Proceeds from the event will support the costs of transportation, accommodations and activities for the service members and their families who will visit Long Beach from July 25-30.

Over the past five years, the LBWWs have invited more than 150 military families to visit Long Beach, with local residents generously offering their time and resources to lend a hand with beach events, dining, boating and other activities.

      “Many family members live with the service men and women who are undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitative services at Walter Reed Military Medical Center,” said the LBWW’s Gerry Snell. “When they visit Long Beach, they’ll all get a chance to really relax and enjoy themselves.” 

On May 19, Lola’s will donate their staff, food and drinks for the evening. Raffle tickets are being sold now for a chance to win a custom surfboard designed by Nature Shapes and donated by Skudin Surf and Unsound. Additionally, two lucky people will win Free surfing lessons offered by Skudin Surf. Winning tickets will be chosen at Lola’s on May 19 and winners need not be present to win.  To purchase $50 Skudin Surf raffles, call Gerry at (516) 375-5966. Additionally, 50/50 raffle tickets will also be sold at Lola’s for a chance to win a cash prize that evening.

Activities for the families during the July visit will include a 5K Race for the soldiers and a welcome parade, both on Sunday, July 27. Boat rides, fishing, relaxing at the beach, swimming, surfing lessons and a trip to New York City are among the events planned.  

Snell said that since 2009, the LBWW volunteers and the citizens of Long Beach have looked forward to supporting the visit by the young men and women who are sacrificing to keep our country safe.  

“We all have the desire to honor those who serve and protect us, and this is our way of letting them know that we appreciate what they do,” Snell added.

        Visit www.lbwaterfrontwarriors.org or write to info@lbwaterfrontwarriors.org for more information.