3 minute read
Local Love
LB Cleanup is a non-profit organization started by a group of beach volleyball friends. We are dedicated to the conservation of our coastal community and protecting our local beaches, oceans, and waves.
Q Did you grow up in Long beach? If not, what does Longbeach mean to you and why have you chosen it as a place to live?
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A I was born in Long Beach. I moved back after living out east for my childhood. The beach life is the best life.
A This is our second summer hosting beach cleanups. While most people were working from home in 2020 we had plenty of time on our hands. We talked about starting an organized fun weekly alternative to the standard annual coastal cleanup. Something fun for the entire family. Friendly, laidback vibes with plenty of sunsets.
Q How many volunteers did you have in the beginning and how has it grown?
A It is amazing to watch the number of volunteers grow on a weekly basis. In the beginning we were just getting the message out but after a few weeks we started to see the number of volunteers each week grow. Today hundreds of people have signed up as volunteers on our website. Each week we see about 30 to 50 people come to an event.
Q How can the community help in the off season?
A We host beach cleanups from March through November when the weather allows. Seeing people in the community support our organization by wearing Long Beach Clean Up shirts and sweatshirts makes us proud. It continues to promote awareness for the cause even in the offseason.
Most importantly though, during our off season we will keep busy organizing and hosting a Toys For Tots drive for kids which goes from November 15th through December 15th. Then after then holidays we will organize and host a jacket and warm clothing drive for those in need.
Follow @LBCLEANUP Website LBCLEANUP.COM
NY Fit Fest is a magnificent beachfront, worldclass fitness, beauty and wellness extravaganza.
The Fit Fest team came back this year filled with gratitude and excitement to celebrate recovery and hope.
Fitness and wellness do not discriminate – this year NY Fit Fest was all inclusive with something for every B-O-D-Y. Participants spent the day with their feet in the sand and over 30 fitness classes to join.
When We Began
Established in 1997 in memory of a courageous young woman whose love of life and incredible courage have inspired us to carry out her wish of helping others and letting people know that we care.
How We Raise Our Funds
The Foundation hosts an annual volleyball tournament fundraiser the first Saturday after Labor Day on Grand Avenue in Long Beach, NY where people gather to play or just watch the competitive and recreational games, enjoy music, raffles, food & merchandise. We raised approximately $17,000 in 1997 at our 1st Annual Michelle O’Neill volleyball tournament. We’ve grown – in 2009, we raised approximately $130,000 to benefit children with cancer and special needs. Donations to the Foundation can of course be made at any time: e.g., memorial donations, in lieu of wedding favors, etc.
