Volleyball and community service once again went hand in hand as State Sen. Steve Rhoads hosted his second annual 4-on-4 Charity Beach Volleyball Tournament at the Jones Beach volleyball courts on June 28, bringing together dozens of players to support the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard.
The tournament featured 16 teams, each sporting matching uniforms, for an evening of friendly competition, while collecting nonperishable food donations to help support local families experiencing food insecurity.
According to Rhoads’ office, players and spectators donated two full boxes of food, helping to replenish the Community Cupboard’s shelves during the summer months, when donations typically decline. Lenox Hill provided snacks and water for participants and spectators throughout the event.
“It was incredible to see our community come together for a great evening of volleyball while making a real difference for our neighbors in need,” Rhoads said in a news release. “This tournament is about more than competition — it’s about giving back and supporting families right here in our community. I want to thank everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, and helped make this year’s event such a tremendous success.”
The Community Cupboard, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, operates through the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and provides food twice each month to 30 to 45 local families. Although school is out for the summer, the pantry remains open with distribution days in July and August before returning to its regular schedule in the fall.
“It’s amazing to have the community come out and support the pantry, especially at this time of year when donations are at our lowest and people’s needs are at their highest because the schools are closed,” Karin McMahon, co-founder of The Community Cupboard, said.
Heading into the summer, the pantry was stocked with fewer supplies than it had a year ago, making the tournament’s donations especially meaningful, McMahon said.
“It was a big help,” she said.
Eric Arlin, the school district’s executive director of alternative education, said the donations are arriving during one of the Community Cupboard’s most challenging seasons.
“This donation will help us through our slowest time during the year for donations, the summer,” Arlin said. “Thank you to Senator Rhoads and his team for their generosity and support in keeping our cupboard shelves full.”
Rhoads also recognized his intern, Matthew Rowe, for organizing the tournament and coordinating the community food drive.
Luke Peckham, Sebastian Ling, Anthony Posanti and Tommy Dillon captured this year’s volleyball tournament title.
McMahon said events like the volleyball tournament reflect the generosity of the Bellmore-Merrick community.
“If there’s a need, the Bellmore-Merrick community steps up and helps their people,” she said. “If we put something out there, they’ll help a good cause in general.”
Rhoads said he plans to continue the tradition by hosting a third annual charity beach volleyball tournament next year.
