East Rockaway volunteer group’s event to benefit disaster victims in wake of storms

East Rockaway volunteer group The11518 is hosting its second annual pub crawl on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. to raise money for Next Step Ministries, a nonprofit organization that sends teenagers throughout the country to help communities rebuild after natural disasters.
“We’re kind of a support agency for families recovering after storms,” said Nick Cocalis, the mission director for Next Step Ministries.
Money raised from the pub crawl will help Next Step Ministries fund a new mission in San Augustine County, Texas, which flooded during Hurricane Harvey. According to Cocalis, the organization has connections in Texas and is in the process of figuring out where to send the teenagers. He also said that he was contacted by Dan Caracciolo, a co-founder of The11518, about the pub crawl and thought it was a good idea. “Dan and his team have been a huge help,” Cocalis said.
Caracciolo and fellow East Rockaway residents Joe and Lauren Forgione founded The11518 in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy to help other members of the community. The group hosted its first pub crawl last year to showcase the revitalized area, and raised about $10,000 for Louisiana flood victims.
Caracciolo said that he wanted to help Next Step because the organization helped East Rockaway rebuild after Sandy. “Next Step has been in East Rockaway for the last four years providing disaster relief,” Caracciolo said. “So, we kind of want to say thank you for doing that.”

As part of the pub crawl, participants will receive food specials and $4 drink vouchers that can be used at participating venues. Registration for the pub crawl begins at noon on Sept. 30 at Michael’s Porthole. The event then continues to Barrier Brewing Company, Reel, Lazy Lobster, The Bold O’Donoghue’s, Mr. Beery’s Village Pub, and Super Pollo. An hour has been allotted for each stop.
Roy Feicco, a managing partner at Reel, said it made sense to help Next Step Ministries. “We’re four feet from the water here, and so when we get high tide, we’re in trouble,” Feicco said. “So, we know what it’s like to have to start over.” He added that the event “should be a lot of fun.”
Paul Pandolfi, co-owner of The Lazy Lobster, echoed Feicco’s sentiments. “It’s going to be a beautiful weekend,” he said. “So come on down to support a great cause.”
Tickets will cost $50 at the door, but can be purchased in advance at https://er4nspubcrawl.eventbrite.com for $40. Participants must be at least 21 years old and must sign a waiver. The11518 is accepting donations from those who cannot attend.
To learn more, visit facebook.com/the11518.

Mike Smollins contributed to this story.