Community Hero Charlie Manwaring Of Southold Fish Market Honored By Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital

A big thank you to Suffolk Security Systems for helping keep our East End community safe and secure! For top-notch North Fork home and business security systems as well as security cameras, reach out to their trusted team today by calling 631-765-5262.

Want to spotlight your business? Sponsoring Patch connects your name to the trusted stories your neighbors love every day. Learn more by contacting Lisa Finn at lisa.finn@patch.com or 917-224-2809.

SOUTHOLD, NY — A local North Fork business owner with a heart of gold who gives back to his community through a sea of initiatives was honored Friday for his innate kindness.

Eastern Long Island Hospital and the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation recognized Charlie Manwaring, owner of Southold Fish Market, with a plaque, commemorating his longstanding generosity and continued support of local healthcare.

"A dedicated community partner, Manwaring and Southold Fish Market, have been steadfast supporters of SBELIH, helping to strengthen healthcare services across the North Fork through philanthropy and engagement. The presentation celebrates his leadership, generosity, and enduring commitment to the community," SBELIH said.

Present at the ceremony were Paul J. Connor, III, chief administrative officer of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Linda Sweeney, vice-president of Foundation and external affairs, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Foundation board members, other leadership members, community representatives, friends and supporters.

For years, Manwaring's name has been synonymous with doing good on the North Fork. In addition to his work with the hospital, helping to execute the Fall Fishing Showdown and annual Lobster Bash, he's also always tirelessly working to give back to the community and to those in need.

Recently, Manwaring, for example, kicked off his annual contest for customers to guess the number of Christmas lights on a tree at his business, with proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He is a familiar face at Southold WinterFest and a myriad of other North Fork events, an angel in the community focused on acts of kindness.

Speaking at Friday's event, Connor said he feels it's important to acknowledge "the people who really help us. We really do pay attention to that."

He added: "I'm very pleased to recognize Charlie Manwaring, owner of the Southold Fish Market and his team, because it is a team. This is a small community and we like to recognize people who support our hospital. A lot of folks support our hospital in different ways — but this is such a unique and tremendous way."

The Lobster Bash, Connor said, helps raise needed funds. "Hospitals need money to be able to do the things we need to do. You might be surprised, Charlie, to know that in the eight years we've had this event — and you were here from the beginning — we've raised $600,000 on this fishing event. And while people like to fish, I can tell you there's a lot more party-goers who come to that party because of the Lobster Bash and what you do."

Connor reflected: "We need people like Charlie in our community. It seems to me, Charlie, that you're all over the place, helping all the time, and we're glad that you have enough time to dedicate to this. Because it does take a commujity and village to support our hospital — and to keep our 120-mission running."

Manwaring was humble as he accepted the award. "Thank you," he said. "I don't do this for any recognition. I do this because I like to see smiles on people's faces. It's what we do here, in the community."

Manwaring also expressed his gratitude to the hospital, noting the many times he and his staff have had to be treated with stitches and sometimes, for fish bones in their fingers. "If we didn't have the hospital there, we'd have to go to Riverhead. It's great to have them here. We always go down there and they fix us up — and that means a lot to us."

The amount raised was gratifying, Manwaring said.

Looking back, Manwaring said: "The key to my success, and the kids' success, is that we have fun doing the event. They're easygoing; we're easygoing. And at the end of the night, everybody is pretty happy."

Sweeney said, thanks to Manwaring, the Lobster Bash is "just spectacular. Thank you, to him and to his staff. He's always giving back. Volunteers aren't paid — but they are priceless."