Long Beach Reach celebrates 45 years

Long Beach Reach will hold its annual brunch fundraiser and silent auction on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Temple Avodah in Oceanside at 9:30 a.m.

The organization, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, provides mental health services to those suffering from chemical dependency issues. Executive director Dr. Joseph Smith said that the various programs Long Beach Reach runs are not just about discontinuing drug use, but also helping patients understand themselves and what they need to do to fulfill goals and lead better lives.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend and celebrate the accomplishments of the honorees that Long Beach Reach have selected for their selfless and hard work in the community. Prizes will also be raffled off. Tickets are $75 per person.

“Each year our board takes great pains to select people who we feel are really deserving to receive community service awards for the work they’ve done,” Smith said. “People who have gone above and beyond and make sacrifices for the community.”

This year’s event will honor Robert Blau of the Long Beach Food & Friendship soup kitchen; Carl Lalena, a former New York City detective and WWII Navy veteran who volunteers at a number of parishes and schools around Long Island; Jerry Rudnick, who’s been active in many community organizations in Manhasset and Port Washington, including the chamber of commerce and VFW Post 5063; Marcia Mule, the director of adult and alternative services for the Long Beach School District, who has worked to make significant improvements to the NIKE Alternative School; and Skudin Surf and Surf for All’s Cliff and Will Skudin and Jim Mulvaney.

The annual brunch fundraiser is the organization’s primary source of funding. Each year prizes for raffles and items for the auction are donated by individuals as well as other service organizations and businesses in the city.

“It’s really something that I think the people that attend really enjoy and feel good about,” Smith added.