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Community Corner

Bayport Couple Host Charity Event

Dr. Philip and Ingke Linker hosted Hospice Care Network's Annual Outdoor Cocktail Party despite the gloomy weather.

Hospice Care Network (HCN) held their Annual Outdoor Cocktail Party on Sunday afternoon.  Not even the roaring wind and unremitting rain could dampen the spirits of those in attendance, who were kept relatively dry under the shelter of a large white tent.

The philanthropic festivities took place at the palatial home of Dr. Philip and Ingke Linker at 74 Oak Road in Bayport.  The backdrop of the exquisite water view, behind three acres of property gave the affair an added ambiance of elegance and natural beauty.

Dr. Linker said, "About five years ago we did a hospice fundraiser here for Brookhaven Hospice Network.  We're good friends with Anne and Web Morrison; they're here.  He's very involved in hospice and said, 'You did it once, why not again?'  We were promised a beautiful day with light wind and sunshine, but we still had a very good turnout."  About 250 tickets were sold, but due to the weather only 160 people attended.

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HCN is a not-for-profit hospice organization that serves patients and families in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens.  They have been offering palliative care with a personal touch since 1988.  HCN specializes in a holistic approach that cares for the total person, not just the illness, addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

At this year's event, HCN honored Ned Baker, owner of the SouthSide Hotel in Bay Shore.  Baker graduated from Bay Shore High School in 1968.  After marrying his wife, Loretta in 1976, the couple relocated to Eliot, Maine where they resided for two decades, owning several restaurants and catering businesses.  Upon moving back to his hometown in 2000, the Bakers purchased the hotel.

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In the ten years since returning to Long Island Baker has supported many charities and established a SouthSide Hotel Scholarship.  He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and the Sundowners.

The fundraiser featured decadent delicacies and libations courtesy of The Irish Coffee Pub.  There were also door prizes and a silent auction.

HCN's Director of Special Events Chris Court said, "The auction includes anywhere from a day at a spa to an overnight stay at Long Island hotels, and we have portraits donated by local artists."

The beneficent occasion attracted high-profile supporters such as Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan and former New York State Senator Caesar Trunzo.

Baker described the honor as "wonderful, humbling."  He said, without a hint of sarcasm, "It's a beautiful, soft Irish afternoon ... Hospice is an outstanding organization.  It helped my family and many, many others that I know; it is an organization needed by so many people.  They do such a wonderful thing."

Robert Kohl, who has worked for Baker for the past ten years, spoke kind words about his employer, "He is someone totally uninterested in publicity.  He just wants to help people," he said, "Ned's very low key about everything, and has silently helped so many people since he came back to Bay Shore. He does whatever he can as a small business owner to give back to the community.  It seems to coincide with Bay Shore's resurgence as a place to go again."

Supervisor Nolan said, "I've been supportive of hospice virtually my whole adult life.  When I was in the legislature in the 1980s I received a grant for hospice; it was one of the first from government back then."

 "It was very rewarding," said Brian Monahan of his experience as a member of the fundraising committee, "The money from this fundraiser goes to the bereavement program for children ages 4 to 18, who've lost a parent or sibling.  The program costs $800,000 a year to run."

No one is ever refused assistance by HCN regardless of their ability to pay.  Go to HCN's website to find out more information, to volunteer or to donate.

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