Patchogue Businesses Host Facebook Fundraiser, Raises Over $10K

PATCHOGUE, NY — An online fundraiser raised over $10,000 to help Long Island families facing hunger during the coronavirus. Local commercial videographer, Mind State Media, partnered with non-profit MUVE Long Island and local band, O.P. Effect to host the concert fundraiser on Facebook Live on Friday night from Mind State Media’s studio in Patchogue. The concert raised over $8,000 in donation in just two hours. In all, the event raised over $10,000 for Long Island Cares, which provides foods for families in need.

According to the event organizers, the idea behind the fundraiser was to create a highly entertaining concert for all to join in during quarantine, while spreading awareness of local businesses and giving back to those in need.

"When we first had the idea to do this Facebook live show, I couldn’t have anticipated the amount of support, engagement and love that we ultimately received and are still getting," Joe Ferrante, lead singer of O.P. Effect. "Our video is being shared everywhere and it’s just unreal how everything came together.:

In addition, several local businesses, such as The Tap Room in Patchogue, Bistro 25 East and Palmer Vineyards, donated generous prizes to be raffled off throughout the show. Viewers sent in donations via Venmo to MUVE to be entered for a chance to win prizes.

"During this crazy time in the world, seeing people come together the way they did last night for our cause was absolutely more than we could have dreamed," a spokesperson for MUVE said in a statement. "The girls were beaming with excitement and pride as the whole thing unfolded, and we all are so inspired and grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference in the world, even in our small way."

To view a recording of the live fundraiser show, click here.