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Community Corner

Long Island Maritime Museum to host Lupus Fundraiser

Inaugural event set to take place on Sept. 26.

The Lupus Alliance of America LIQ is holding its inaugural "Blues on the Bay" event to benefit lupus on Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville. The fundraiser will take place from noon to 6 p.m. and will feature six bands, headlined by Forever Young, a Rod Stewart tribute band.

"This is a brand new event for us so we are hoping it is a success and soon becomes something we do annually," said JC VanderPutten, director of programs and media at the Lupus Alliance of America LIQ. "With the economy the way it has been, our committee and board members worked hard on finding new fundraising ideas to help bring in funds for our programs as well as for funding research. This event was one of the new ones we came up with."

In addition to the live performances by NV, Breakaway, Roadhouse Band, Big Daddy & the Bulldogs, and the Red, White and Blues Band, there will be restaurant booths, vendors, giveaways, door prizes and more. Jerry Schaefer from WRCN Radio will be broadcasting live from the event.

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The Lupus Alliance of America LIQ has also held the Suffolk County Walk-Along for Lupus and Have a Laugh for Lupus Comedy Night, which were also new fundraisers this year.

"Both did quite well, so our hopes for this event are high," VanderPutten said. "We are the only Lupus agency on Long Island, and the only lupus agency that serves the Long Island/Queens community, and we have been for more than 54 years. These new fundraisers, like Blues on the Bay, will help us continue to offer our financial grants for those with lupus, which can help with medical bills and supplies, utilities and more.

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"Our kids program, for kids with lupus, offers help with SSI applications, school 504 plans, and also send the kids along with their family to fun day trips around the area, our educational seminars, support groups, telephone counseling programs and more.," VanderPutten said. "Our fundraisers also help us raise the money we donate to research through the Lupus Research Institute."  

Restaurant vendor spots are available for $350 for the day and all restaurant vendors may be eligible to win bonus advertising time on WRCN Radio. All other vendors are $100 for the day for a 10 x 10 space.

"As for those who live with lupus in our area, these events not only help them by raising the funds we need to offer them the help, but they also raise awareness through the press and websites about lupus and what living with lupus is truly like," VanderPutten added. "Although almost 2 million Americans have lupus, it tends to be a misunderstood disease. Many think it is just about 'being tired,' and not realizing that lupus can destroy any organ in the body; that patients with organ damage take chemotherapy; and that many lupus patients take other toxic medications that can cause just as much damage as they prevent.

"Most people don't know that there has not been a medication specifically designed or approved for lupus in more than 50 years. Most medication taken by those with lupus are for other diseases and conditions (aka off-label medications) and were found to help someone with lupus, causing problems many times with insurance approval."

Visit lupusliqueens.org/bluesonthebay for details on how to become a vendor or to purchase tickets. Special pre-sale ticket prices are available at $20 per person; $50 for a family four pack; and $90 for a family six pack. All pre-sale ticket orders will receive a "Blues on the Bay" t-shirt.

"We have several people who are involved with this event, many younger people with lupus who are struggling with the disease and work hard to help us spread awareness," VanderPutten said. "We also have our staff and board members, all of whom either have lupus or love someone who does." 

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