Oyster Bay Restaurant, Organization Honored For Helping Families

OYSTER BAY, NY — Town of Oyster Bay officials have recognized an organization and restaurant for helping local families in need.

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh recently joined with representatives from the YOLO Strong Foundation to thank the owners of Coach Meeting House. The foundation, based in Oyster Bay, consists of over 200 members who organize fundraising events to help sick kids, those with special needs and those who are medically fragile.

"The amazing women in the YOLO Strong Foundation have helped countless families throughout the Town of Oyster Bay through their traditional fundraising events," Saladino said in a statement. "During the pandemic, they were forced to put their usual fundraising efforts on hold, and soon the reimagined Oyster Festival helped them continue their very important mission."

Each year, the popular Oyster Festival — held along Oyster Bay Harbor — draws about 150,000 people from across the tri-state area over two days. This year’s event was held virtually and lasted a week. Organizers struggled to find ways to ensure they could continue supporting charities, the town said.

Coach Meeting House, a restaurant that offers a drive-through for food and frozen cocktails, and owner Russ Lundstrum selected the YOLO Strong Foundation to be its benefactor. The decision helped two families experiencing hardships due to extensive medical needs by their children.

"The great thing about donating to this organization is that you can be sure the assistance stays right here in our community," Walsh said. "The people that are helped by YOLO, they are families right here in the Town of Oyster Bay. They are our neighbors. They live on our blocks. They are students in your children’s classrooms. It’s so inspiring to see what can happen when a group of people – who truly care – come together for the betterment of others."

Residents who want to help families with children in need can visit YoloStrong.com to learn more about the organization, get involved and donate.