Sail to Brazil, Without Leaving Long Island

On October 19 at the Pine Hollow Country Club in East Norwich, guests will enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes of the once popular whaling port of Rio de Janiero, Brazil. This annual event aims to raise $100,000 to support the Museum’s education programs, including a scholarship program for under-served youth to attend the museum’s enrichment summer camps.

“Our annual benefit is really a chance for the public to not only support the museum, but to really learn about the history of whalers who sailed around the world, following in the footsteps of the Cold Spring Harbor fleet,” says Assistant Director, Cindy Grimm. The annual event takes on a new whaling port destination each year, bringing not only delicious food and specialty cocktails, but also artifacts from the museum and a docent to answer any questions guests might have. Executive Director, Nomi Dayan explains, "This event is not only key to sustaining the museum's educational mission, but also celebrates the international connections intertwined with our maritime heritage. In choosing this year's Port of Call, we took inspiration from Long Island whaling companies who historically frequented the waters off the coast of Brazil for its whaling grounds. Yankee whaleships also depended on Brazil for supplies, services, and crew members, which contributed to settlement patterns in the US."

The museum’s 2017 honoree, John J. Pinto is Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company and New York Community Bank, as well as that of New York Commercial Bank since its establishment on December 30, 2005. His support of this event will enable to Museum to sustain its signature educational enrichment programs and help reach more Long Islanders through exhibits, lectures, and outreach programs that bring museum artifacts to over 4000 children each year at local libraries. Mr. Pinto also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Noble Maritime Collection in Staten Island, and is involved in fundraising for the March of Dimes.

The local community has rallied around the museum providing exciting raffle and silent auction items including overnight trips, private shopping excursions, golf outings, tickets to Disney World, and more. Entertainment for the evening includes music by the John Allen Watts Brazilian Trio as guests enjoy an authentic Brazilian buffet and fabulous dessert room.

Guests who purchase tickets before August 31 will be able to take advantage of early bird pricing for this wonderful evening of food, festivities, and friendship. Sponsorship opportunities are still available online or call Cindy Grimm at 631-367-3418 x12 for more details.