Thursday, October 1, 2026
A friendly culinary competition brought Nassau County officials together ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, as town supervisors and a city mayor went head-to-head in the annual “Corned Beef Cook-Off for a Cause.” The event, held at The Milleridge Inn, raised funds for Hooks for Heroes, a nonprofit that supports American veterans and first responders coping with physical and mental injuries.
The cook-off featured Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, and Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, each preparing their take on the classic Irish dish. Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly, County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, Comptroller Elaine Phillips, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, and Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato served as judges.
“One of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by competing in the ‘Corned Beef Cook-Off for a Cause,’” Clavin said. “Guests at the event enjoyed some delicious corned beef, and the officials helped raise money for an organization that helps our veterans and first responders.”
The event’s host, Butch Yamali, owner of The Milleridge Inn, expressed his enthusiasm. “I love St. Patrick’s Day, and I can’t think of a better way to make the holiday even more special than by raising financial support for our heroes who are suffering from PTSD and other serious challenges,” he said.
Each competitor had their eyes on the top prize, with some hoping to reclaim past victories.
“I love this event, and I am eager to celebrate the season by helping support our brave veterans, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders,” Saladino said. “What’s more, I am hoping to reclaim the crown for the best corned beef, which I won a couple of years ago.”
DeSena acknowledged the tough competition but focused on the cause. “While I have never won the ‘Corned Beef Cook-Off for a Cause’ competition, I am always gratified to raise money for a worthy cause,” she said.
Hooks for Heroes provides stress therapy through fishing trips, helping veterans and first responders manage the effects of service-related injuries.
The event’s judges not only sampled the corned beef but also praised the initiative.
“Corned beef never tasted better,” O’Connell said. “The love and caring that goes into each dish, as well as the warm wishes for our heroes, make this the best St. Patrick’s event anywhere.”
Phillips emphasized the event’s impact. “Hooks for Heroes is doing some very important work, and the Corned Beef Cook-Off is a fun way to raise money for this worthy organization,” she said.
James Torborg, president of Hooks for Heroes, expressed gratitude for the support. “The Hooks for Heroes organization is grateful for the efforts of these elected officials,” he said. “For those who wish to support our mission, they can visit www.hooksforheroes.org.”
For those interested in learning more about Hooks for Heroes, visit HooksForHeroes.org.
