Thursday, October 1, 2026
Dozens of people turned out on July 27 on New Street for Pasta Night at Michael’s Porthole — and all for a good cause. The event was held to raise funds and collect food for the pantry at the East Rockaway Nazarene Church.
Attendees paid $10 at the door, or brought five non-perishable items for the pantry. Some people did both!
Cool Hand Lou & the Downtown Daddy-Os played a great selection of music for the appreciative audience. The fundraising party overflowed onto the waterside deck, and the bar was crowded with patrons.
The food selection was a delicious variety of hot pasta dishes from northern and southern Italy. The crowd stayed till the end to see if they won the 50/50 raffle, or the basket raffles.
“I don’t donate as often as I’d like to, but I try to do it when it’s not the holidays,” said Christine Lonergan-Bach, of East Rockaway. “I think I’ll set a date and do it once a month from now on.”
The waterfront restaurant’s owner, Mike Rodonis, said that he like to thank the neighbors, and businesses that “graciously supported this cause.
“We were very honored to be able to host such a hugely successful event,” he said. “We look forward to hosting an even bigger event in the near future — but in the meantime let's keep the donations coming!”
“Before the donations, the food pantry was in desperate need of stock,” said Pastor Stephan Hurkens, of the East Rockaway Nazarene Church. “Now the shelves are overflowing. Thank you, Michael, and staff for a great evening. May God bless your generosity and your businesses.”
Hurkens wife and co-pastor, Sharon, said that running a food pantry comes with many challenges. “One of the main issues we struggle with is to keep food coming in,” she said. “We get tired of asking our local congregation for donations, and I once again considered closing down. I prayed and said to God that if He brings the food in, we will keep the pantry open, but if nothing comes in, then I will take it as a sign that the time has come to close the pantry.”
But just when they thought it might have been time to shut it down, Michael from Michael’s Porthole in Oceanside offered to host a fundraiser to raise food and funds for the pantry.
“Now? The shelves are overflowing and once again [and] those who are in need of our pantry can get their needs met,” said Sharon.
"East Rockaway shined tonight,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky, who attended the fundraiser. “by showing the true meaning of community and putting the less fortunate first, especially Michael Rodonis, of Michael's Porthole. Tonight's efforts to restock the church's food pantry were spectacular, and the results were unparalleled."
