‘Blast for CAST’ fundraiser supports North Fork families in need | Long Island Business News

The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation (CAST), a Southold-based provider of safety net and self-sufficiency programs, is hosting a fundraiser at Stirling Square, at 300 Main Street in Greenport on July 10, from 6-9 pm.

The seventh annual “Blast for CAST” coincides with the organization’s 60 years of community service. The event is designed to help the organization support neighbors in need on the North Fork to build a healthy and thriving community.

“Our neighbors who help make the North Fork and Shelter Island thrive –  agricultural, hospitality, healthcare, and service workers – are facing growing hardship due to federal policy changes and higher costs of living,” CAST Executive Director Erica Steindl said in a news release about the upcoming fundraiser.

The event comes as nonprofit leaders prepare for rising costs as well as potential changes to programs like SNAP under recent tax-cut legislation. The legislation is designed to overhaul a common food assistance program for lower-income people by forcing states to pick up some of the costs and requiring more people to work to receive benefits.

CAST currently serves approximately 15 percent of the population of Southold Town and 35 percent of its children, and  CAST said the need is growing. Donor support is allowing CAST to provide approximately 480,000 healthy meals in 2025. CAST also provides support for those facing significant challenges, and provides education, workforce training and arts and culture programs that are aimed at uplifting and empowering the community.

“Now more than ever, the Blast for CAST addresses our critical need for funds to ensure we can continue building upon our six decades of supplying vulnerable members of our community with the vital resources they need to provide for themselves and their families,” Steindl said.

Steindl said CAST is “incredibly grateful to the Blast for CAST’s sponsors and donors for their invaluable financial and in-kind support, which is essential to safeguarding our ability to carry out CAST’s important work.”

Sponsors include Paul and  Terri Romanelli of Suffolk Security Systems. American Beech Hotel is opening its entire property from 6-9pm with an open bar, signature cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. 1943 Pizza Bar, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, and Tito’s Vodka are providing pizza, beer and cocktails. Additional sponsors include Brick Cove Marina, Peeko Oysters, Kolb Heating+Cooling and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Paul and Terri Romanelli will be recognized with the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award. Long-time supporters and financial sponsors of CAST, the Romanellis have donated and installed security systems at both CAST’s former Greenport location as well as the organization’s current space in Southold.

“As longtime supporters of CAST, we are delighted to be this year’s presenting sponsor of the Blast for CAST, extending our commitment to this important organization as a beacon in our community,” Paul Romanelli said in the news release. “CAST serves an essential role for our neighbors in need across the North Fork and on Shelter Island, and we are happy to answer the call during a time when CAST is urgently relying on expanded financial support.”

The event’s musical entertainment is by the band NOIZ. An auction will help raise funds for CAST. This year’s items include VIP tickets to the Hampton Classic Horse Show, golf for four at Laurel Links Country Club and a private at-home shucking class with Little Ram Oysters.  Additional items include wine tastings, spa treatments and boat cruises across the North Fork and Shelter Island. Auction items can be bid on through 8:45PM ET on July 10 here.