Dan's Papers - August 15, 2008 - Go Ahead, Play Some Volleyball, Have a Heart

Calling all volleyball players, Have A Heart is hosting their first annual Beach Volleyball Bash. As part of the charity’s Back to School support programs, the proceeds raised throughout the evening will go to providing clothing and supplies to local students in need. Additional funds will be raised for the award winning Stewards of Children training from the national non-profit organization, Darkness to Light, a group committed to educating adults on the East End about child sexual abuse prevention.

Bill Wright and Brett Pahwul, facilitators of the event as well as trustees of Have A Heart, have been working to put this tournament together in hopes of making it an annual event. “Brett and I both play volleyball in leagues and we tried to think of something outside of the box. Having a volleyball tournament is something different and everyone can get involved,” said Wright. Coming from a beach community, there is sure to be a large volleyball crowd and what better way to “help out your local community by doing something you love,” said Pahwul.

For almost two decades, Have A Heart has been assisting residents of the East End. The organization has been fully committed to providing first hand relief, including food, school supplies, and financial aid, for those who are enduring either individual or family crises. “One of the best things about Have A Heart is that is it is so local. With other organizations you don’t get to see the results but with Have A Heart, you are helping your neighbors and the people around you and that is truly rewarding,” said Pahwul.

Have A Heart has partnered up with a eight different food pantries all over the area, all of which combined serve over one thousand families annually.

“The money we raise does not go to any one specific school. The food pantries inform us of which individuals are in need and we put the money towards that,” said Wright.

Another important group that is a part of the Have A Heart Team is the Peconic Community Council. By teaming up with the council, Have a Heart is able to help residents who are experiencing financial crises and provide assistance to move individuals from homelessness to low income housing. Other local partner organizations include the East Hampton Community Council, the Family Counseling Service, Southampton Day Care Center, South Fork Breast Health Coalition, Mission of Kindness, Herstory at the Riverhead Correctional Facility, The Whalebone Landing Tutoring Project, The Center for Prenatal Care at Greenport, Padoquohan Medicine Lodge, SAMP, Independent Group Home Living Program, and Seafield Resources.

The tournament will take place at one of America’s top ten beaches, Cooper’s Beach, starting August 19-21. According to Wright, “We chose Cooper’s because it is one of the best beaches and it is truly beautiful. Why shouldn’t we take advantage of it?”

Thus far, 22 teams have registered for the tournament and the number is certain to increase. The cost of registering a team is $250 and the winning team is assured a years worth of “bragging rights” until next summer’s tournament said Wright. Games will be played from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and during the final match, Vivian and The Merrymakers, a reggae band will perform. The band will surely bring about “a fun and laid back vibe,” said Pahwul.

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the tournament at the Cooper’s Beach pavilion and a sandcastle contest will be held for children on August 21. An additional bonus: T-shirts will be on sale for $10 and sponsors such as Fuze Energy Drink which will be providing balls and gift bags for the event.

So far, there are expected to be between about 200 people attending the event and between 20 and 30 teams participating. “We are so excited for this year’s tournament because it is our first. We are learning a lot and hopefully next year’s will be even bigger and better,” said Wright.

For teams interested in signing up for the tournament, e-mail Bill Wright at bwright16@gmail.com. For more information on Have A Heart Beach Volleyball Tournament or if you are interested in making a donation, visit www.haveaheartcommunitytrust.com