Most everyone in Greenport knows Ruthie Ruffner, a familiar face at the local IGA.
Now, Ruffner needs help, and the Greenport Rotary Club and Hellenic are teaming up to present a fundraiser tonight at Hellenic, as the community comes to her assistance. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to help Ruffner repair her home.
According to Robin Walden, president of the Greenport Rotary Club, the Ruffner Project was organized after Ruthie’s home fell into serious disrepair, leaving her with threat of eviction as talks of demolishing her home have commenced.
“Her home needs a lot of work,” Walden said.
To that end, a fundraiser will be held tonight at Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant, a “Locals for Locals Greek Feast” from 5 to 8 p.m. The restaurant is located at 5145 Main Road in East Marion. The dinner includes souvlaki, gyros, Greek salad, rice, carrot cake and coffee. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $15 for children under 12; there will be a cash bar. Meals are dine in or take out, for the benefit of the Ruffner family.
George Giannaris, owner of Hellenic, said after the loss of her husband and daughter, Ruffner was left without the financial means or resources for repairs to her home.
Facing demolition, Ruffner “has a real hardship,” Giannaris said. “She’s in dire need of repairs on her home.”
Walden said the goal is to raise emergency funding that will be utilized to hire contractors directly to repair Ruffner’s home. The “Locals for Locals” program is a tradition for the Greenport Rotary Club, which helps a family in need each year. In the past, fundraisers have included a spruce-up of the American Legion in memory of George Costello.
“This is just local people coming together to help local people,” she said.
Giannaris said the Rotary “stepped up” to help someone in need and he was happy to be involved in the effort. “Ruthie Ruffner is the sweetest woman. It’s my obligation. At what point do we step out of the rat race, stop focusing on our own needs, and help someone in need? Why do we have to wait for complete and utter disaster before we realize our humanity? The only time we come together is for a tornado or a hurricane. Let’s just take a break from life, have a meal, and help this poor woman out.”
