Lola’s hosts Long Beach Waterfront Warriors fundraiser

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The Long Beach Waterfront Warriors held its 10th annual fundraiser at Lola’s Kitchen & Wine Bar on May 8 to support wounded soldiers.

The nonprofit organization helps provide a much-needed vacation in Long Beach for servicemen and women, many of whom are undergoing treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

The Waterfront Warriors auctioned off various donated items, including a custom surfboard courtesy of Skudin Surf — which has been donated every year since their first fundraiser in 2008 — a beach cruiser bike, and a variety of other raffle prizes from around Long Beach. The event featured two musical guests, and all the funds go toward supporting veterans.

"It was a great night; very successful,” said organizer Jerry Snell, who co-founded the organization with fellow Long Beach resident John McLaughlin, a retired firefighter, in 2009. “Every penny we earn goes to these veterans. Nothing goes to us or Lola's — we do it all for them.”

About 25 soldiers and their families are set to arrive in Long Beach on Sunday, July 16 and will stay until July 22. Many suffer from injuries and conditions sustained in combat, including lost limbs, traumatic brain injuries, gunshot wounds and post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to Snell, the veterans and families are greeted with a 5K race on July 16 at 8 a.m. and a welcome parade at 3 p.m. on West Beech Street, followed by a barbecue at Long Beach Catholic Regional School.

The Waterfront Warriors also arrange a trip to the World Trade Center, as well as a barbecue in Manhattan. Rockefeller Center also donates to the cause and hosts some of the wounded veterans at the Top of the Rock during the day.

Long Beach resident Dr. Robert Newman, of South Nassau Communities Hospital, has participated in the Waterfront Warriors initiative for over three years, and said he’s extremely excited for this year’s events.”

“It provides a wonderful service to the veterans of our country,” he said. “It gives them a vacation, and it is a great opportunity for us to give back to them for their incredible service.”