More than 250 people packed inside the St. Agnes Parish Center on Sept. 28, for the Backyard Players & Friends’ second annual Oktoberfest fundraiser.
“We were just so pleasantly surprised with a number of people that showed up, bought raffles, made donations and supported us through the whole entire event,” Cristine Daly, director and co-founder of Backyard Players, said. “To have over 250 people show up … it proved to us that we have an important part in the community.”
The fundraiser, which is held in celebration of the traditional German beer festival and traveling carnival, is the organization’s largest event of the year.
This year’s festivities included a variety of dishes, prepared by local restaurants including Parmagianni and Churchills, drinks provided by local brewing companies, raffles, prizes and a live musical performance by Jerry and the Newcomers.
Thanks to the generosity and support of the community this year’s event raised $50,000 in proceeds to help support the various programs the organization offers.
“We can’t do it alone,” Daly said. “and we’re grateful for the support of our community and the Backyard Players & Friends families.”
The MaryAnn Nesdill Legacy Award, which recognizes an individual’s help and dedication to the organization, was presented this year to James Baker, for his work as a volunteer with the organization for the past four years.
Backyard Players & Friends are a non-profit organization based in Rockville Centre that supports neurodiverse teens and young adults by providing classes on a range of subjects including art, music, photography, cooking and more—all of which are aimed to help teach social skills necessary to navigate through society.
The organization also operates programs such as the Front Porch Market and the Backyard Players & Friends.
The Front Porch Market, located just next door to the Backyard Players & Friends, on North Long Beach Road, provides unique gifts created by members of the organization, and other neurodiverse participants, which are put on display for people to purchase. It also helps provide a way for neurodiverse entrepreneurs to get first-hand retail experience, which can help lead to jobs and other future endeavors.
Love, Nana—located just around the corner from the Backyard Players location—is a community service project that collects donations of baby clothes, books, and any other baby accessories, in order to donate them to mothers and families in need in the community. The program also offers skills training and community experience programs for its participants.
For more information on the organization’s programs and fundraisers visit bypandfriends.com.