Community

The annual event brought out volunteers of all ages, who helped rid debris from public locations such as roadsides, trails, parks, and beaches.

"Protecting our natural resources is essential to Montauk's ecology and economy," noted Concerned Citizens of Montauk.

"This event enables SoFo and the other groups to reach out to the community with educational activities and nature walks that hopefully will enrich the lives of many people, especially our children," said Frank Quevedo, the Executive Director South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo).

"We encourage New Yorkers across the state to come down and visit their local volunteer fire departments on April 25th and 26th," said Robert McConville, President of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

"Gather up all those old computers, faxes, phones, small appliances, cell phone, tablets, gaming devices, TV's radios, anything that plugs in or runs on battery," said Beth Ann Felshman.

"We struggle to make up the difference from chamber resources and that means taking away from or eliminating another special event that contributes to our prime, short tourist season economy," noted Laraine Creegan, Executive Director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce.

"It our pleasure to donate this money to such a deserving animal shelter," expressed Anthony Mauro, General Manager of Riverhead Bay Motors.

The donation from Brian Kelly, owner of East End Tick & Mosquito Control, will support the creation of a curriculum for East End school districts that is in accordance with NYS requirements for school-age children.

"Remarkably, we are among the first municipalities in New York State to implement a plastic-bag ban, but we are proud to help lead the way in eliminating one of the most common and lasting form of litter," said Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst.

"It's always a great event, to see so many former ARFans in attendance, with their owners showing them off with such pride," noted Jamie Berger, Director of Marketing & Communications at Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. (ARF).