Bellmore-Merrick Relay for Life Teams Host Fundraising Car Wash

Sun, soap and several hard working teenagers from Kennedy High School and Merrick Avenue Middle School cleaned about 15 cars and vans per hour during a car wash fundraiser for the Bellmore-Merrick Relay for Life in the Bellmore Applebee's parking lot on Saturday.

Merrick resident and volunteer Hildy Teplitz organized the event with her daughter Julie. By charging $5 for cars and $10 for vans they were able to raise $450 within four hours.

"We're so excited for all these teens to get involved with the significance of fundraising for a worthy cause," the elder Teplitz said. "There are approximately 30 teams within the Bellmore-Merrick division and my daughter and the other kids love promoting cancer awareness and fundraising on Facebook. This promotes good competition between the teams."

Retired Nassau Police Officer Jimmy Brunhuber brought his classic 1955 Chevy to the car wash and said he was glad to give towards a great cause. He said this past October he participated in a breast cancer run and more awareness and research funding is needed to find a cure.

"I hope a lot of funds are raised by doing this car wash," Brunhuber said. "It's a great idea on a beautiful day."

Julie made purple icing cupcakes to give to those who brought their vehicle in for a wash and purple wristbands were selling for $2. In addition, many of the teens, including Teplitz dyed strands of their hair purple as they get ready for the main Relay for Life event on from 5 to 11 p.m. at Merrick Road Town Park.  More than $26,000 has been raised so far in the Bellmore-Merrick division.

Teplitz Relay For Life team, which is called Teps Steps for Hope and Merrick Avenue Middle School's team Life of the Party were so excited to see so many people pulling in the parking lot to get their car or van cleaned. The teens worked diligently to make sure every vehicle shined.

"The excitement from raising money for an important cause makes us know we are helping others and that is a great feeling," Merrick Avenue Middle School student Rachel Abramowitz said.

Others who came to get their car or van cleaned agreed that it is all about charity. Vincent Delleto, a Massapequa resident said he saw some of the girls in the street with a sign and he knew he had to get a car wash.

"This is for an important cause," Delleto said. "Everyone in the area should come and donate or get their vehicle washed."

Click here to see how else you can help the Bellmore-Merrick Relay for Life teams.

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