Pines Fundraisers: A Special House Call Raises $17K for FIP Care Center
Volume 49, Issue 10

The doctor and his supporters made a special house call in the Fire Island Pines on August 20 as more than 100 people turned out for the second annual Fire Island Pines Care benefit. Affectionately named We Care II, organizer Perry Hamilton welcomed Jack and Rita Lichtenstein, Tommy Esposito of the Fire Island Pines Chamber of Commerce, Kent Dillon, Jack Schlegel, Porsche and others as they mingled poolside among the charity and red passion inspired décor.

DJ Patrick Forett spun a slick mix of disco, classic 80s and modern dance tracks while Hamilton, who is the driving force behind the benefit, told The News that this is a cause near to his heart.

“This is my charity,” Hamilton said. “It [the Care Center] is more than just a clinic.”

The Care Center, located on Beach Hill Walk while Pines residents await the construction of the new Pines Community House, Whyte Hall, offers a variety of medical and first aid services to local residents and visitors. And doctors, such as long-time Pines resident Ed Schulhafer, and others from the New York-based Callen-Lorde Community Health Center staff the clinic throughout the season.

This year’s fundraiser netted $17,000 for the clinic and supporters, such as Sapin owner David LeDu, who donated much of the food and wine that partygoers nibbled and sipped, said that it is an invaluable asset to the Pines and its residents.

“It is the best cause,” he said. “At one point everyone but one of my staff went to the Pines Care Center.”

—By Mike Lavers