Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor rocks the mic for the environment at Still Partners in Sea Cliff

Sea Cliff residents welcomed in the New Year with a unique twist, as the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor hosted its annual “Karaoke for a Cause” event at Still Partners. The event has become a local tradition in recent years, offering a festive alternative for those looking to celebrate on the eve of New Year’s Eve.

The idea for Karaoke for a Cause was born out of the realization by Lisa Cashman, associate director for the coalition, that New Year’s Eve can be a challenging night for parents. What started as a small, informal gathering at her home quickly evolved into a community-wide event at Still Partners, a local venue known for hosting live bands.

“I thought New Year’s Eve Eve is where it’s at,” Cashman explained. “It takes a lot of the stress out, and you can have a fun night with your community before spending New Year’s Eve with family.”

The event turned into a karaoke party, providing an opportunity for residents to showcase their inner rock stars in a low-pressure setting. Cashman, a singer herself, initiated the event in 2018, and the idea to donate the proceeds to the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor soon followed.
night, which kicked off at 8 p.m., featured a two-hour karaoke session from 9 to 11 p.m. The crowd, although not the largest in the event’s history, was lively and enthusiastic.

“It was successful, people really embraced it this year,” Cashman said. “We brought in around $1,300 for the coalition, and the event was a great platform for building awareness and fostering community spirit.”

The karaoke playlist included everything from Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” to a memorable rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The energy was so high that attendees expressed a desire to keep the karaoke going well into the night.

“(Attendees) would have (sang) all night long,” Cashman continued. “When they shut it down during the last song, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’,’ people were going crazy. They would have done karaoke for hours and hours.”

Apart from the musical festivities, the event showcased the coalition’s latest swag, a tote bag aimed at raising awareness for their cause. The evening also marked the end of the coalition’s annual appeal, which exceeded its $75,000 goal for the year. Cashman emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to take an active role in protecting Hempstead Harbor.

For more information on the coalition’s work and how to support their efforts, visit CoalitionToSaveHempsteadHarbor.org.