In an outpouring of love and friendship, more than 600 crowded into the Third Street Firehouse in Greenport yesterday for a fundraiser to help one of their own, who is battling cancer.
The “Friends of Kenny White Spaghetti & Meatball Benefit Dinner” event brought a steady stream of guests pouring in from the time the doors opened at 4 p.m., until the event ended at 8 p.m.
White, a lifelong Greenport resident, has devoted years of dedicated service to the Greenport Fire Department since joining in 1971, serving as past chief.
He’s instrumental in organizing the Greenport Fire Department’s annual circus fundraiser, as well as the carnivals and the Christmas Parade.
White also spoke with SoutholdLOCAL recently about the work he poured into helping to refurbish the aquarium at the East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation, a project that touched his heart and will help children to learn about marine life in area waters.
All proceeds from the spaghetti dinner will benefit White’s medical expenses.
“Kenny is just so touched,” said Linda Goldsmith, who volunteered at the event. She aded that the 50/50 was $3,000 in total, and the winner donated their share back to help a friend in need.
Kait’s Angels, a not-for-profit organization doing good works in memory of Kaitlyn Doorhy, donated all paper goods and were onhand to help out at the event, too.
The event also featured a large Chinese auction, with all gifts and prizes donated by a generous community, organizers said. Crowds stood on long lines to bid on the array of prizes.
All who attended had caring words of love and admiration for White, who they said has touched their lives for years.
“Everyone loves him. Kenny White deserves a community hug,” said Tracey Orlando.
