Giving Tuesday: 'We Can't Skate Without Skates' At Legion

GREENPORT, NY — It's #Giving Tuesday, and in Greenport, Mindy Ryan, new general manager of American Legion Burton Potter Post 185, has kicked off a "We Can't Skate Without Skates" Facebook campaign aimed at raising $15,000 to cover the cost of 315 pairs of roller skates.

On Giving Tuesday, all donations made through the organization's Facebook page donation button will be matched and all fees waived. To donate, click here.

Donations will be doubled between 8 a.m. and midnight but, Ryan said, it's important to donate early, because once the $2 million is reached, the match is over — however, the 5% fee will be waived through midnight.

The Greenport American Legion page has been approved by Facebook for the promotion, Ryan said.

According to the #GivingTuesday promotion on Facebook, "On this global day of giving Facebook and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are matching up to $2 million of funds raised on Facebook for U.S. nonprofits. Facebook is also waiving its fees for donations made to nonprofits on Facebook this #GivingTuesday."

In addition, donations to nonprofits made through Facebook’s charitable giving tools on November 28 will be matched up to $50,000 per nonprofit or $1,000 per fundraiser or donate button, until the $2 million in matching funds run out, the page said.

Giving Tuesday is held Nov. 28, and it's a day where several organizations are encouraging others to donate to a local cause or charity. What began as a social media trend centered on a day of giving back in 2012 by 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City, #GivingTuesday has since expanded across the globe, according to the movement's website. In just one year more than $177,000,000 was raised online for Giving Tuesday, according to givingtuesday.org.

And in Greenport, the day is another way to give back to a local community institution that's seeing new life: After years of hard work and heartfelt determination, the renovation of Greenport's American Legion Burton Potter Post 185 is nearing completion.

Signs of rebirth are everywhere inside the building that has meant so much for generations of Greenport residents.

"We have the heat on!" Ryan said. "It really took a village to get this far. There have been so many contractors that have donated time and materials at either no charge or for a reduced charge and so many individuals and businesses who have supported us financially. It really is heartwarming how the community came together to get us this far."

And for those who are eagerly waiting to lace up their skates once again, Ryan has great news: A grand opening fundraiser is planned for New Year's Eve on December 31. "When the ball drops at midnight the Greenport American Legion Burton Potter post 185 is reborn," she said.

Memories color every corner of the building, with boxes of skates, photos of years gone by, an old Kist cooler — the Greenport company made soda — and "Skate Room" signs still on the walls.

But after almost a decade of restoration kicked off by George Costello Sr. in 2010, efforts have culminated in a beautiful new space that still needs hours of volunteer love before the grand opening.

Ryan was hired as the general manager and began on Oct. 16, to help with the completion of the renovation and manage all aspects of the business once it reopens. Her long list of duties includes building an online presence, overseeing daily operations for the building and grounds, concession stand, and skate rink, as well as bookkeeping, security, cleaning, and merchandise sales.

She will also hire, train and schedule employees and volunteers, fundraise, and book events.

Her enthusiasm is palpable as she shows a guest around the cavernous space. "My first goal is to open by New Year's Eve," she said. "After that I will work toward making the American Legion a real community center with programs and activities for everyone, including our military veterans. We have such a great space and I can't wait to share it with everyone. The possibilities are endless."

Perhaps the most exciting facet of the renovations for many has been the effort to breathe new life into the skating rink.

"We should be skating this winter!" she said.

But volunteer efforts are still critical, Ryan said.

"We are at the punch list stage but the list is long. We need to keep our volunteers and contractors moving towards completion. We have many very generous contractors and suppliers who have helped get us to where we are today but we need to remain diligent with our fundraising efforts," Ryan said.

Walking through the space, Ryan pointed out new bathrooms, a room that will be used for a conference room, the kitchen area and stage.

Down the line, the hope is to woo big name talent to the Legion, she said, as well as provide a space for skating for all ages, movies, dances, bands, all kinds of classes, antique shows, markets, wrestling matches, weddings, reunions and birthday parties.

Ryan said it's important to remember, always, that the building has a dual purpose. "It is the perfect venue for a community center but it is important not to forget that it is an American Legion Post for our military veterans," she said.

Everyone in the community can help bring the Legion to the finish line, Ryan said.

Individuals are asked to "like" the Greenport American Legion's Facebook page to keep updated on progress.
Volunteers can email mindy@greenportamericanlegion.org.

Donations are also still needed, Ryan said. "This whole project would not have happened without the generosity of our community members."

Renovation to date has included complete interior demolition and clean-up, replacement of the entire concrete south wall, replacement of all windows and galvanized lintels, all new roofing materials, new drainage, new plumbing, new electrical service and wiring, exterior painting, all new insulation, three feet of concrete flooring throughout the building, a new wood ceiling and new bathrooms. All of the work so far has been possible due to donations.

The Greenport American Legion is a a non-profit 501(c)19 organization under the name "Burton Potter Club Inc", Tax ID 11-6036914. Donations can be sent to: Burton Potter Club Inc. P.O. Box 103, Greenport, NY 11944.

Ryan pointed out that her efforts come after years of dedication by many.

"The late George D. Costello Sr. had a dream"

"I really came into this project on the tail end. So much blood sweat and tears have gone into saving the Greenport American Legion in the last decade. The late George D. Costello Sr. had a dream. After his untimely death in 2012 his devoted team of volunteers carried on to make that dream come true. I'm just helping with the finishing touches. It's kind of funny but I consider George my boss because I know he's the one who is really overseeing this project," Ryan said.

Despite all the new improvements, the Legion's rich history will be preserved and celebrated, Ryan said, adding that the best part of the process so far, personally, has been listening to people and asking questions.

"There are people out there who know the history and I hope to get those stories on our website. Our site is very basic for now and I will add to it as I collect information," she said, adding that she's asked residents to send in photos for a digital photo album that she's posting to Facebook.

Photos can be emailed to mindy@greenportamericanlegion.org or they can be brought to Ryan at the Legion and scanned.

The Greenport American Legion, Ryan said, holds a special place in the hearts of generations of residents. "I have memories of the Greenport American Legion and, lately, everyone I've talked to has memories, too. There is buzz about this project even outside of Greenport. People came from all over to skate or attend functions — and they will again."

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.