Rabbi Ronald Brown of Temple Beth Am in Merrick, offered remarks before the menorah was lit, and the Rev. Thomas Gallagher, pastor of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in North Merrick, spoke before the Christmas tree was turned on. The Merrick Chorale performed as well.
Ilene Dixel, of the Merrick Herald, and Cathy Montero, of Advance Irrigation, hosted the event. Starbucks provided the coffee, and several businesses offered prizes for the raffle.
