Clear Skies for the 33rd Annual Barefoot Black Tie Dinner at Fire Island Lighthouse

By Lorna Luniewski // Photos by Sean FitzthumPicture perfect weather was on tap for the more than 300 people who attended the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society’s annual fundraiser, on Aug. 10. In addition to dancing to the sounds of Tradewinds, guests enjoyed a catered dinner, open bar and silent auction on the Lighthouse Terrace.Sponsors included Bethpage Federal Credit Union, John Bosch Bus Company, Manhattan Beer Distributor, Helen Duryea and Destination Unknown Brewery. The silent auction featured items donated from more than 60 businesses and individuals.This event is just one of the ways Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (FILPS) raises money to preserve and maintain this historic 1858 structure. Celebrating its 160th anniversary over the past year, the Preserve the Lighthouse – One Step at a Time fundraising campaign, to restore each of the 156 cast iron steps, continues. A $750 donation will restore one step, and donor names will be inscribed on a commemorative plaque. Fire Island Association recently adopted a step in the name of Irving Like (1924-2018), who was instrumental in stopping Robert Moses from building a highway across Fire Island. To learn how you can adopt a step, call 631-321-7028. FILPS wants to thank all those who attended and all the Lighthouse volunteers who participated, for their generous donations, silent auction participation and valuable time. As with many great events, the best laid plans sometimes go awry, and FILPS wants to thank anyone who had a poor dining experience for their patience. They already are working hard to prevent this from happening in the future.