Bay Shore Lions Club’s 80 members gave a collective roar of approval after hosting one of the most successful Taste for Sight fundraisers in their 91-year history. The event, held Saturday, Feb. 4 at Captain Bill’s Restaurant in Bay Shore, brought together more than 25 leading local restaurants, wine, liquor and beer merchants, who donated food and drinks to serve the approximately 300 guests in attendance.

Retired Brig. Gen. John Digilio Jr., president of the Bay Shore Lions Club, said, “We are thrilled with the way our community has stepped up to help the Lions, and each other. It’s worth noting that our three biggest sponsors are dedicated, longtime members of our club, including: event sponsor Philip Carpenter Jr., marketing sponsor past club president; Timothy Mooney, president of Fire Island Ferries; and platinum sponsor Anthony Cerabino, president of Health Care Wellness Center. We appreciate their generosity and that of everyone who contributed to make this such a special afternoon.”

Event co-chairs, immediate past club president Fran Beringer and past club president Greg Proce, agreed, stating, “The overwhelming support of Bay Shore’s local restaurants, sponsors, and strong guest attendance means this year’s Taste for Sight has surpassed pre-pandemic fundraising levels and is a tremendous success.”

Taste for Sight is an afternoon cocktail-party where everyone “tastes” the latest and greatest food and drink from local establishments. All funds raised are used by the Bay Shore Lions Club, which is a registered 501(c)3, to fund their charitable activities throughout the year. This includes providing quarterly payments to six Bay Shore food pantries, providing eyeglasses, eye exams and vision screening services for students in need, supporting families experiencing food insecurity during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and providing scholarships and bursaries to local students.

For more information about Lionism and the Bay Shore Lions Club, visit www.bayshorelions.org. And don’t forget to mark Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 on your calendar for next year’s Taste of Sight event!