Montauk Pioneer - August 22, 2008 - Kids, Fishing, Honor

What a good feeling it is to have nice things happen in nice places where nice people do nice things.

Certainly Rusty Staub, the beloved left-handed, right throwing baseball player who won the hearts of thousands, not only for his athletic skills but also for his philanthropic endeavors, is one very nice guy. In 1985 Rusty founded The New York Police & Fire Widows & Children's Benefit Fund, which during its first fifteen years raised and distributed $11 million to the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

Since September 11th 2001, his organization has received contributions in excess of $112 million.

Montauk's charismatic Richard Warme of the fishing boat Ebb Tide, owned by Jane Bowman, is the brainchild whose inspiration encouraged the boat's owners to donate it for events. This year, Warme took it upon himself to approach Rusty Staub.

Devoting many hours to the meetings necessary to organize and develop his plans, Warme, together with The Fund's Director of Development, Linda Giammona, made it possible to invite several children and parents of the fallen heroes to board the Ebb Tide for a half day of fishing followed by a barbecue at the home of local businessman and owner of The Montauk Sun, Ken Giustino, on Saturday, August 16th 2008.

Warme recruited the ever-charitable Gurney's Inn and IGA's Bill Clark to donate food and Lenny DeFina of Lenny's On the Dock contributed sunglasses, American Flag rubber bracelets and food. Jack Yee, always willing to help, volunteered to come aboard and take pictures. "He has terrific spirit," commented one pretty and young Fund administrative member, Maura, when they reached the dock.

What a picturesque sight it was to watch the Ebb Tide, on a super Montauk day. With the sun and the sea in spectacular glory, sail in slowly with Captain Jake Nessel at the helm, and inch to its berth at Salivar's Dock with a panorama of Ebb Tide Hats and the smiling faces of the children and adults standing on deck.

Greeted by cameras, reporters, friends and just nice, interested people, the children then gathered for photos. An enthusiastic Jane Bowman awarded 5 Daiwa Fishing Rods donated by Paulie's Tackle shop and 5 colorful hand-tied hooks, compliments of Captain J. Derrico, Jr. to Gabrielle, who caught the first fish, Kevin, the first keeper, Kara the pool winner and Conner and Alexia, who tied for catching the most.

The well-planned and wonderfully executed delicious barbecue at Ken Giustino's Montauk home was the second highlight of the day. The lower level indoor pool, staffed with a lifeguard for this event, captivated the children immediately, while the adults upstairs in the large eclectic living room or on the beautiful deck filled with exquisite potted flowers, enjoyed all sorts of hot and cold foods as well as perfectly grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and live music. Indeed, Mr. Giustino is a charming host with an inviting, delightful party house.

Finally catching up with the children, Conner told me just as he was ready for a hotdog, "I think it's really nice that people do this for us," and Rhiannon echoed everyone's feelings when she said, "So fun; I'm having such a good time."

Even Eileen, the pretty, blond mother of three said, "How nice it is for us to still be remembered."

Our hat is off to the Ebb Tide, its crew and owner, to Kenny Giustino and his team, to Jack Yee for his support and many memorable photos of this special day, and to the amazing Rusty Staub and his compassionate staff, and above all, to humanitarian Richie Warme, whose kindheartedness and diligence were enjoyed by all, during a day when the beauty of Montauk, and the charitable good will of its people gave many children a splendid time.

It is these types of things that do us all so much good. We have such a special community here in Montauk.