Oceanside Ladies Auxiliary ‘Makes a Deal’ if ‘The Price is Right’

The Ladies Auxiliary of Oceanside hosted a handful of fan favorite game shows last week for its final fundraiser of the season.

On May 31, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Oceanside Knights of Columbus celebrated 55 years of community service with an anniversary game show fundraiser and membership drive at the Oceanside Knights of Columbus hall on Kenneth Place. The evening was hosted by television personality and Hofstra University alumnus Meester Mario and featured TV-style game shows “The Price is Right” and “Let’s Make a Deal,” as well as raffles, 50/50 and heads-or-tails and a performance from Oceanside High School’s Thespian Troupe 132.

“It was a new and innovative approach to fundraising,” said Secretary Janet Calderon, chairwoman and producer of the event, “And our last hurrah.” She said the night was a huge success and the audience had a great time.

The Ladies raised about $2,600, according to Calderon. The money will go towards 11 organizations, similar to last year, she said. The prizes handed out included but were not limited to cosmetics, facial products, jewelry and appliances such as televisions. The grand prize of the evening — won by Tina Rossetti — was a tailgate event featuring a portable ice cooler, two lounge chairs, a table and a barbeque grill, complete with two tickets for a Jun 8 Mets-Yankees ballgame.

Towards the end of the event, Oceanside High School’s Thespian Troupe 132 performed a live musical revue and Meester Mario — a fourth degree Knight of Columbus himself — took out his smart phone in front of the guests, recording himself giving a shout out to the Ladies Auxiliary on Facebook Live, expressing his appreciation for the work they do.

“We want to thank everyone who supported and attended this event, and we look forward to seeing them again next time,” Calderon said, expressing hope that the club organizes this kind of event again.

The Ladies Auxiliary started back in 1952, and the organization holds multiple fundraisers each year. In the past, the group has used the money to support organizations such as the Island Harvest, the Morgan Center, Bethany House, Long Island Crisis and Hewlett House. On June 5, their new president Lisa Kahl will be installed on the executive board.