Rye’s newest non-profit, 2029 Fundraising, hosted its first annual Rye Professional Firefighters St. Patrick’s Day Ball at Harrison Meadows Country Club on Saturday, raising more than $100,000 for local causes and organizations.
The funds raised will be used to provide financial assistance on an as-needed basis to community initiatives as well as to support families of firefighters facing urgent hardship. Among the grants awarded by 2029 Fundraising are a $10,000 donation to Midland Elementary School for the Thrive Outside campaign — an effort to create a new outdoor learning space and rebuild the schools playgrounds — and $10,000 in financial aid for the family of a Binghamton firefighter who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in February. An additional $10,000 was given to a Scarsdale firefighter who suffered a devastating loss.
The sold-out event featured an array of Irish-themed entertainment and experiences, including a guided Irish whiskey tasting by Harrison Wine Vault, a Guinness Bar and ‘Split the G’ competition with spot prizes from Hanna Hats and Sliabh Liag Whiskey, and a traditional Irish Uilleann piper performance.
Guests also enjoyed door prizes, a special performance by Doherty Petri Irish Dance, and an exciting live auction.
Attendees dined on a carefully curated Irish-inspired menu, with entrée choices including lamb shank, salmon, and vegetarian Irish stew.
Photo courtesy 2029 Fundraising
“I’m very happy with the results of our St. Patrick’s Day Ball and how support for our charity continues to increase,” 2029 Fundraising President, Sal Inguanti said. “The funds we raise go to so many varied and important causes both in our local Rye community and the broader New York firefighters community.
“We are excited to be able to grow our impact this year havingraised 66% more in net proceeds than at last year’s Cinco De Mayo fundraiser. We definitely had the luck of the Irish on our side.”
Following the success of the inaugural St. Patrick’s Day event, 2029 Fundraising, the nonprofit arm of the Rye Professional Firefighters Local 2029, looks forward to announcing next year’s date in the coming months.
