Nassau officials hope to raise $100,000 for Harvey flood victims

Nassau County, law enforcement and union officials on Friday recalled their experience with superstorm Sandy in announcing a fundraiser to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

The fundraiser will be held at Mulcahy’s Pub on Railroad Avenue in Wantagh on Wednesday, starting at 5 p.m., officials said.

The fundraising effort has already raised $40,000, and the goal for the group is $100,000, officials said.

“It’s just a wonderful feeling here in the county when we’re able to give back to the many who helped us during Hurricane Sandy,” Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said.

Acting Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said he was approached on Wednesday about setting up the relief effort. He then traded messages with the presidents of the five county law enforcement unions and spoke with John Murray, the owner of the pub, about hosting the event.

Ryder said he was motivated to help by his experience during Sandy where he took a tour of the devastation in Long Beach and watched as snowplows were used to push back the sand. And that was in addition to long hours, flooding, power outages and downed lines.

“We want the people of Houston to know that we stand behind them,” Ryder said. “They were supportive of us during Sandy and we’re going to be supportive of them during their struggles now.”

There will be a $20 cover charge to enter the event, which will also have live music and accept donations. There will also be a free buffet, a 50/50 raffle and a live auction.

“We had our superstorm a couple of years ago and we survived it,” said Police Benevolent Association president James McDermott. “We know what it’s like.”

In addition to the fundraiser, the county’s office of emergency management has already started airlifting needed items like ready-to-eat meals, and masks, officials said.

Residents can also donate supplies at various parks including Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Christopher Morely Park in Roslyn, Cedar Creek Park in Seaford and Grant Park in Hewlett.