Local fundraiser to benefit East Rockaway firefighter on June 10

Annie Lichtenstadt was described by friends as someone who is willing to do anything for people in need. Now that the East Rockaway volunteer firefighter is battling an illness, her friends, family and peers are set to return the favor.

An event benefitting Lichtenstadt to help her pay for bills and medical expenses is set for June 10 at the Liberty Hose Co. No. 2 Fire Department, at 2 Clark St. in East Rockaway, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“She’s just that girl that whenever you need something, she’s the first person out to give you a hand and help you,” said Danielle Metzger, Annie’s friend who volunteers at the Grant Avenue Firehouse and is organizing the event along with the ERFD.

Lichtenstadt has been in the Fire Department for 15 years, but had to stop volunteering recently because she needs both of her knees replaced. She is also diabetic, overcame cancer more than 20 years ago and was recently diagnosed with another illness, which was not disclosed. Lichtenstadt can no longer drive and has to use a walker, so Metzger said the day is all about making life easier for her to navigate.

“She can’t work,” Metzger said. “She’s been out of work for a while, so we thought it would be something good for the community to give back to her after all she did for them for 15 years.”

The June 10 event is a vendor market fundraiser that will include many stations featuring local vendors, face painting, cotton candy, sand art, a Kona ice truck and more. It is geared toward family fun, and will also include baskets that will be raffled off. “Everything will go to Annie,” Metzger said of the proceeds.

Friends organized a bingo fundraiser for Lichtenstadt in May and about 160 people attended to show their support. Metzger said she hopes the vendor fundraiser would be just as or even more successful.

Metzger said that she became very close with Lichtenstadt during their time spent volunteering for the Fire Department. She added that Lichtenstadt always had a knack for comforting families in need after an emergency.

“She was always good with the families,” Metzger said. “She was the first person to pull the families aside and control them. She has a really big heart.”