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Long Beach Waterfront Warriors

Allegria Hotel Hosts "Wrap Party" for
the Long Beach Waterfront Warriors
Holiday for Heroes Drive

Joan Jett greets wounded soldiers at the Allegria Hotel where the LB Waterfront Warriors Holiday for Heroes event took place.

City-wide Collection of Gifts
Brings the Holidays to Our Troops

by Mary Melia Giambalvo
Public Information Officer
City of Long Beach NY

Watch video of Warriors' Arrival at Long Beach Catholic School

Long Beach, NY -- December 12, 2011 --The Long Beach Waterfront Warriors with the help of the Allegria Hotel, Long Beach Catholic Regional School and the VFW Lt. John F. O'Grady Post 1384, held a "wrap party" at the hotel this past Sunday, December 11, loading up care packages to be shipped to soldiers for the holidays. Over 300 packages were filled with necessities for servicemen and women who are on duty overseas and recuperating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and at the V.A. Hospital in Northport.

The Brownies entertained with holiday songs.

Children crafted holiday cards and placed them in the boxes, while the Long Beach Catholic Regional School Brownies Troop 2352 entertained with holiday songs. Everyone had a chance to get a picture taken with Santa Claus, who arrived on a Long Beach Fire Department fire engine, escorted by the FDNY Fire Riders Motorcycle Brigade. LBWWs co-chair Jerry Snell presented Allegria owner Alan Rosenberg with a certificate of recognition for his part in providing accommodations to the soldiers during LBWW events.

Attendees at the Holiday for Heroes line up to get their boxes filled with goodies for soldiers.

Several wounded service men from Walter Reed were on hand to meet the hundreds of volunteers who were sorting and packing cartons. And, as a special surprise for the guys, the Allegria's Entertainment Sales Manager Ingrid Dodd set up a visit from none other than rock & roll legend Joan Jett! The talented musician thanked the men for their service, had photos taken with them and handed out plenty of CD's for them to take back home.

Children crafted holiday cards for soldiers.

For three years now, the LBWW's, with the help of volunteers and contributions, have invited wounded, ill and injured soldiers to Long Beach for a few days of relaxation along our beaches with fun activities, welcome parades and trips to New York City.

Next year's visit will begin on July 22.

LBWW's Jerry Snell presents Allegria Hotel owner Alan Rosenberg with a certificate of recognition for providing accommodations for LBWW events: l-r Allegria General Manager Mike Witte, Snell, Allegria Entertainment Sales Manager Ingrid Dodd, Alan Rosneberg and (back to camera) daughter Gaelyn with visiting soldiers from Walter Read.

Watch video of the Warriors' holiday party.

 

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