Oceanside Community Warriors — a volunteer group dedicated to beautifying and strengthening the community — drew residents together for an afternoon of music, food and service at South Shore Craft Brewery on April 19, during its annual Spring into Service fundraiser.
The family-friendly event, now in its third year, featured live music by Shane Courtenay, food trucks, drinks, raffles, and children’s activities and games, all aimed at supporting the group’s year-round efforts across Oceanside.
Organizers said the fundraiser serves as both a kickoff to the group’s spring cleanup season and a critical source of funding for its projects.
“This is our spring fundraiser each year,” Jeanine Badalamenti, the Warriors’ secretary, said. “It’s a way to keep us afloat so we can continue everything we do — from cleanups to our fall festival.”
The nonprofit organization, made up of neighbors, business owners and volunteers, is committed to improving the quality of life in the hamlet. Since its founding nearly seven years ago, the group has organized park cleanups, holiday drives and large-scale community events.
Badalamenti said the idea behind Spring into Service was to create an accessible, relaxed event that brings residents together beyond volunteer workdays.
“We didn’t want to just be a one-off fall festival, and not everyone can make it to the cleanups,” she said. “We wanted something easy and laid-back, where families could come together, have fun and also share ideas about what they’d like to see improved in the community.”
Throughout the afternoon, organizers set up an information table, where attendees learned about upcoming initiatives and explored ways to get involved.
“We try to talk to people, find out why they’re here and what role they see themselves playing in Oceanside," Badalamenti said. "That’s how we generate ideas and figure out how people can contribute.”
Funds raised at the event help cover supplies and equipment for cleanups, as well as support larger initiatives, such as beautification projects, seasonal decorations and the group’s widely recognized flag campaign. According to Brian Driscoll, the Warriors’ president, the organization installs more than 100 American flags throughout the community each year — an effort that requires ongoing maintenance and replacement.
“The money goes toward everything — equipment, flowers, welcome signs, the flags,” Driscoll explained. “The poles break, the flags only last one season, so this fundraiser is a huge help.”
Driscoll noted that the fundraiser typically draws more than 100 attendees annually and continues to grow as awareness spreads.
“It’s a great day,” he said. “The community comes together, families bring their kids, there’s music, and it’s just a really good atmosphere.”
Unlike many established nonprofits, the Warriors initially operated without formal fundraising.
“We started off paying out of our own pockets,” Driscoll said. “Now that we’re a nonprofit, the community really helps support us, and they’ve always been very supportive.”
Beyond its scheduled projects, the organization also responds to emerging needs. Last year, members organized a food and clothing drive for residents displaced by an apartment fire in nearby Baldwin. The group also hosts a toy drive during the holiday season and assists local organizations with food distribution efforts.
“Wherever there’s a need, we try to step in,” Badalamenti said.
At the heart of the organization’s mission is a simple philosophy: “beautify, unify, amplify.” Leaders said that means not only improving the physical appearance of the community but also strengthening connections among residents.
“There are so many good people in Oceanside, but not everyone knows how to connect,” Badalamenti said. “We try to bring people together and help them find a way to get involved that works for them.”
Volunteers are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways, from hands-on cleanup efforts to behind-the-scenes support, such as fundraising, event planning and social media outreach.
“There’s something for everyone,” Driscoll said. “Even if you can’t do physical work, there are plenty of ways to help. We all have that common goal of keeping our home great.”
The Warriors emphasized that events like Spring into Service play an important role in fostering community engagement at a time when many people feel increasingly disconnected.
“It’s an opportunity for people to get out of their house, step away from their screens and get to know their neighbors,” Badalamenti said. “It helps create a more inclusive and connected community.”
As the afternoon wound down, attendees lingered over music and conversation — a reflection of the event’s broader purpose.
“If we all come together,” Badalamenti said, “there’s really no stopping what we can do for Oceanside.”
