Keep Rockland Beautiful Holds Golf Fundraiser

Keep Rockland Beautiful (KRB) is holding an event designed not only to raise money, but also celebrate the efforts of those who help the organization in its mission to keep the County’s environment as clean and aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Today, at Germonds Park in West Nyack, KRB is holding its second Mini Golf-Barbeque gathering.

KRB’s Executive Director, Dr. Andy Stewart said this event was conceived by organizational Board member Spencer Lauterbach in 2009. The first outing took place in the fall of that year. However, after some consideration, Stewart and Lauterbach decided the second installment would be a great way to celebrate the end of KRB’s annual spring cleanup efforts.

For the last several weeks, a number of Rockland residents have been participating in the KRB-sponsored Great American Cleanup, where people dedicate themselves to clearing litter, debris and waste from various locations across the municipality.

Stewart said the golf outing isn’t the prototypical fundraiser. The event will also serve as an opportunity to honor volunteers who’ve devoted a great deal of time and effort to recent cleanup activities.

Bobbie Gardner and Peter Ubriaco are two local residents to receive such recognition.

Gardner, the president of the Central Nyack Civic Association, joined with many of her neighbors to rid their hamlet of 35 bags full of trash.

Ubriaco, owner of New York Information Systems, along with several friends and associates, completed 34 cleanups of Blauvelt State Park.

“I hope this event brings everyone together for a common cause,” said Gardner. “That is to keep our neighborhoods clean, but most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to meet others that share the same compassion and commitment to helping others and the community.”

“I think the barbeque will be a fun way to get to know other community members that support KRB,” Ubriaco said. “I think it will also be interesting to hear other people’s ‘war stories’ and ideas how to keep the community clean.”

The event, which is open to the public, begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 6 p.m.

Stewart said he is hoping the event generates roughly $5,000, which will be used to purchase supplies and create environmental educational experiences for local youth.

"We hope those who participate have fun, learn more about KRB, make some new friends and stay connected."