By NANCY HILER
Ranging in age from 6-17, the participants were members of eight area swim teams, including the one at Newbridge Park Pool itself. The others were Forest City Park Pool in Wantagh, and Veterans Memorial Pool in East Meadow, the Oceanside Pool in Oceanside, Averill Pool in Elmont; Echo Park Pool in West Hempstead, Rath Pool in Franklin Square, and Malibu Pool at Lido Beach. The funds raised go toward helping the Nassau Red Cross in its local efforts.
"In the past twelve months, we have responded to nearly eighty local disasters and have provided close to $90,000 in aid to those affected," said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau Red Cross. "There are not enough words to express our gratitude for what these bright, young swimmers have done for the Red Cross and the residents of Nassau County."
Joining Cassano at the Swim-A-Cross was Town Supervisor Kate Murray. Murray helped kick off the event by leading the teams in an impromptu pep rally. After promoting the competitive--but friendly--spirit of the teams, she thanked them for demonstrating their community involvement. Hockey game tickets were given to top individual fund-raisers by the New York Islanders and all participants received t-shirts courtesy of AllState Insuracen, both event sponsors.
The Town of Hempstead Swim-A-Cross is one of seven fundraisers benefiting the Nassau Red Cross this summer. Similar events were held already at Robin Hood Country Day Camp in Brookville; Buckley Day Camp in Roslyn; and Carousel Day Camp in Hicksville. In August, Pierce Country Day Camp in Roslyn and Maplewood Day Camp in Wantagh will hold theirs.
The biggest event will be the 18th Annual Swim-A-Cross at Centre Island Beach in Bayville, Aug. 18. Open to the public, participants can choose to swim one mile, a half mile, or a quarter mile. There will also be a 200-yard swim for children ages 8-12.
For more information about the American Red Cross in Nassau County and its efforts to make Nassau County a safer place to live, work and play, call (516) 747-3500 or visit online at www.nassauredcross.org.
# # #
