Annual North Fork Have-A-Heart Dinner Supporting Community Action Southold Town

On Thursday, February 23rd, share a meal with Peconic Landing during its annual Have-A-Heart Dinner benefiting Community Action Southold Town (CAST) (www.castsoutholdtown.org).

“Peconic Landing has been so wonderful to host this dinner every year for CAST,” shared Linda Ruland, CAST Executive Director. “Their generosity enables all of the proceeds of the ticket money to go directly to CAST’s Emergency Fund.”

The funding is vital for CAST, who assists low-income residents secure basic needs. “This fund helps clients who are faced with an unexpected emergency that they don’t have the funds for,” explained Ruland. “This could include emergency heat, electricity, car repairs, transportation needs, miscellaneous fees or a myriad of other situations that arise without warning.”

The proceeds make a life-changing difference for those who receive CAST aid. “Last year this fund helped CAST provide 33 families with assistance. One of our clients, who has MS, needed a new scooter. One of our homeless clients was able to move into an apartment, and we were able to purchase a new mattress for him,” Ruland noted. “Several of our clients have been helped with college exam fees, testing fees and purchases of school books as they work toward getting an education so they can become self-sufficient.”

The delicious Have-A-Heart Dinner will feature a 3-course meal with a Caesar salad, lasagna (meat or vegetarian) with garlic bread, as well as coffee and dessert.

“Along with a wonderful meal, served under the direction of Jackie Copas, there will be door prizes and raffle prizes,” shared Ruland. “You will also be able to enjoy the music of Lea Kendall.”

Peconic Landing is thrilled to open their doors in support of such a worthy local cause. “Our members are honored to host this annual fundraiser for an organization that does so much for our neighbors in Southold Town,” said Robert J. Syron, President and CEO of Peconic Landing. “It is a great night to come together with family and friends for good eats and a great cause. We hope to see you here.”​

The majority of CAST’s funding comes from events like this and donations from the East End community. “On February 23rd, we hope to have a wonderful crowd of people who are willing to spend an evening helping raise funds for this very important part of CAST’s mission – ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors,'” she added.​

CAST serves Southold Town families – from Laurel to Orient Point, including Fisher’s Island. The not-for-profit organization offers several programs and services, such as a Parent-Child Home Program, Food Pantry, Food Drives, ESL Classes, Computer Training Program, Advocacy and Referrals, Assistance with Benefits Paperwork, Sharing Room, and Tutoring for School-Aged Children, as well as seasonal programs including a School Supply Drive, Holiday Toy Drive, Summer Story Hours, Feed-A-Kid Programs, and Produce Rescue.

Admission to the Have-A-Heart Dinner benefiting Community Action Southold Town is $25 for adults and $10 for children (12-years-old and under). Diners may choose between a 5 p.m. seating or 7 p.m. seating.

Peconic Landing is located at 1500 Brecknock Road in Greenport. For more information, call 631-477-3800 or visit peconiclanding.com. ​