One Step at a Time
By Lorna Luniewski // Photos by Sean FitzthumRain did not dampen spirits at the 32nd annual Barefoot Black Tie Dinner Benefit held on the terrace of the Fire Island Lighthouse, on Aug. 11. More than 300 guests enjoyed a catered dinner, open bar, silent auction and dancing to the music of local favorite Tradewinds.Major donors included Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Great South Bay Brewery, Charles Entenmann, The Kismet Inn, John Bosch Bus Company, Manhattan Beer Distributor and the Peoples United Bank. The silent auction featured items donated from 68 businesses and individuals.
Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (FILPS) relies on fundraising events like this, as well as school groups, weddings, photo shoots, the gift shop, Tower tours, etc., to preserve and maintain the historic structure. As the Lighthouse celebrates its 160th birthday on Nov. 11, 2018, a new fundraising campaign is underway: Preserve the Lighthouse – One Step at a Time. FILPS is restoring each of the cast iron steps to help preserve the Fire Island Lighthouse for another 160 years. A $750 donation will restore one step, and donor names will be inscribed on a commemorative plaque.The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society thanks all who attended the dinner for their continued support of this event over all the years.
