Long Beach Waterfront Warriors to hold fifth annual fundraiser

The Long Beach Waterfront Warriors, a volunteer organization that assists wounded, ill and injured soldiers, will hold a fundraiser at Lola’s Kitchen & Wine Bar, 180 W. Broadway in Long Beach on Monday, May 20, with open bar, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go towards the soldiers’ visit to Long Beach July 19-24.

“We considered whether or not it would be appropriate to invite the soldiers while people are still rebuilding, but we realized that everyone is trying to move forward, and it felt right for us to move forward as well,” said Gerry Snell, the co-chairman of LBWW.

For the past four years, more than100 soldiers and their families have been warmly welcomed by the local community, who contribute their time and resources to the soldiers. Many recently expressed interest in having the soldiers visit again this year, despite the destruction by Hurricane Sandy.

The event ($50 at the door) will feature Zagat-rated Lola’s three-hour open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and entertainment (Lola’s is donating food, drinks and staff for the evening). And 50/50 raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win cash.  

Additionally, raffles are being sold now for a chance to win a week of free surfing lessons courtesy of Skudin Surf, Long Beach’s premier surfing school, and an original Skudin-designed surfboard. The winning tickets will be chosen at the Lola’s event. To purchase $50 surf raffles call Gerry at (516) 375-5966 (winners need not be present to win surf prizes).

Proceeds from this event will support the costs for transportation, accommodations and activities for the annual visit. A portion of monies collected will be used for shipping holiday packages to soldiers overseas and for funding emergency medical help and other services to support soldiers’ needs. 

Activities during the July visit will include the 5K Race for the Soldiers and Welcome Parade, both on Sunday, July 21. During the week, boat rides, fishing, relaxing at the beach, swimming, surfing lessons and a trip to New York city are among events being planned.  

Snell said the Long Beach Waterfront Warriors are committed to the young men and women who are sacrificing so much to keep our country safe.

“While we are very aware of the hardship our community has experienced, we feel that we should continue to honor those who have served and protected us and let them know we appreciate what they do,” Snell said.

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