On the picturesque evening of Saturday, Aug. 10 over 325 guests gathered at the annual Cocktails by the Bay in the garden of the bay front home of Roger and Sava Thomas.

This was by far the most successful fundraiser for the Bellport Village Program Fund (BVPF) to date, with over double the attendees from 2019 and more than any prior year.

By the numbers, over 2,400 oysters and clams were served. Nearly every village business contributed to the newly added raffle or silent auction, the latter of which had 26 lots on offer. 14 volunteer board members welcomed guests from near and far.

This record turnout not only included Village residents but also residents of neighboring communities, who recognize the work and the impact that the BVPF has beyond just the village itself. The energy and enthusiasm for the work of the BVPF was plainly evident!

The BVPF works with the historic Village of Bellport in a public/private partnership to execute selected projects in the village to preserve and enhance the Village’s exceptional ambiance and amenities for Bellport Village residents. They have executed over 20 such projects.

BVPF executed two significant projects this year: partnering with the village and the Bellport Environmental Committee to purchase and install bike racks in 10 strategic locations throughout the village to decrease the reliance on cars and encourage bikes; and installation of air conditioning in the Community Center basement recreation room and antique bowling alley.. BVPF previously restored the historic 1929 bowling alley and completely redesigned and renovated the Community Center basement recreation room, in which the bowling alley is housed.

The BVPF’s initial signature annual project, so-called “Bite Back,” started 12 years ago. It has since effectively controlled mosquitoes and abated green flies at Bellport’s Ho-Hum and Mother’s beaches. These locales would be all but unusable if not for this project.

The Bellport Village Program Fund, a private not-for-profit New York State 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to executing projects that contribute to the beautification and cultural awareness of Bellport Village and the education and engagement of its youth.

Environmental Committee to purchase and install bike racks in 10 strategic locations throughout the Village to decrease the reliance on cars and encourage bikes; and installation of air conditioning in the Community Center basement recreation room and antique bowling alley. BVPF previously restored the historic 1929 bowling alley and completely redesigned and renovated the Community Center basement recreation room, in which the bowling alley is housed.

The BVPF’s initial signature annual project, so-called “Bite Back,” started 12 years ago. It has since effectively controlled mosquitoes and abated green flies at Bellport’s Ho-Hum and Mother’s beaches. These locales would be all but unusable if not for this project.

The Bellport Village Program Fund, a private not-for-profit New York State 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to executing projects that contribute to the beautification and cultural awareness of Bellport Village and the education and engagement of its youth.