Hundreds of supporters filled the St. Agnes Parish Center in Rockville Centre on Saturday, Oct. 11, to celebrate Oktoberfest and support an organization with a heartfelt mission.
The annual fundraiser, hosted by the Backyard Players and Friends, featured live music from The Switch, German tasting stations from Parmagianni and Churchill’s of RVC, raffles, gift baskets, and a vibrant beer garden. Attendees danced and mingled throughout the evening, helping raise money for the group’s programs serving teens and adults with neurodiverse needs.
“We have had other fundraisers in the past, but the Oktoberfest seems to be, you know, the one that people enjoy the most,” Cristine Daly, one of the directors of The Backyard Players and Friends, said. “We hold classes and programs for teens and adults with neurodiverse abilities, 14 and older, and the Oktoberfest is one of the biggest fundraisers that we have to raise funds to support our programs.”
This year’s Oktoberfest held extra meaning as the group honored Tommy Montemarano and presented the MaryAnn Nesdill Legacy Award to Patricia Harmon.
The event also supported the expansion of Love, Nana, a growing initiative that provides baby bundles — clothing and essentials for infants up to 24 months — to families in need.
“People at the Oktoberfest have an opportunity to help us with that expansion by purchasing some of the items that we might need for love Nana,” Daly said. “We’re putting it out there with Nana and she has been making baby bundles for babies up to 24 months. And we work with about 28 organizations who receive our bundles. So we’re moving from a 274 square foot space to something that’s three times the size. So we’ll be able to have more background players working there.”
Tickets to the event were $80 per person, with additional sponsorships available. Residents from Rockville Centre and beyond packed the parish center for an evening of camaraderie and community giving.
Susan Gorecki of East Rockaway came out to support the cause and honor her friend Montemarano. “He’s such a charitable man,” she said, “and we have another family who we’re friends with, whose son is here because he belongs to the group.”
Floral Park resident Jed Golden attended in support of his two daughters who work with the Backyard Players and Friends. “We’ve been supporters for years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to just the camaraderie and the positive energy and the way that BYP provides wonderful services. Watching the different people enjoy themselves and the dancing.”
For more information on The Backyard Players and Friends, visit BYPAndFriends.com
