Working Outside in 20 degree Weather....& Thankful for it.

By Christine Insinga

   A good 4 days out the week, during our 5 o'clock newscast, you'll find me out in the thick of it...rain, hail, sleet, snow...etc.  I am thankful.  Mostly this winter, though, it's just been BITTERLY cold! But I am thankful.  No, I'm not a 'cold weather person' - unlike our Assignment Editor Ken who gets downright GIDDY whenever the mercury dips below 30.  Nope NOOO way!  I'm a summer girl through and through.  Still I slap on the layers of Under Armor, socks and boots.  I'll brave the elements and at the end of the day, still I am thankful.

    Last weekend I had the honor of emceeing an event called, "Rockin' for the Homeless." More than 400 people packed The Polish Hall in Riverhead, on that frigid Saturday night for the fundraiser benefiting Maureen's Haven.  The work they do is phenomenal.  Every night, from November until April they provide temporary shelter and food to the estimated 500 homeless on Long Island's East End.   Let me repeat that...they estimate 500 HOMELESS just on the EAST END.  Of course they're not the only organization to aid in this effort.

    For a donation of $25, guests feasted on kielbasa and sauerkraut, soda, beer and wine.  Not to mention the chance to rock out to 3 great Long Island bands:  Who Are Those Guys (yes, that's their name); Misspent Youth and The Mulligans (sorry I couldn't find a link for these guys). There was a Chinese Auction and your fill ofdoor and raffle prizes!

  It truly was a great night and the generosity was just tremendous.  Tom Gahan, the event organizer just informed me that they raised more than $11,000, exceeding their goal!!

   I was thankful this afternoon while it hovered around 30 degrees, as I walked the streets of Hicksville, interviewing people for my story  (Incidently- the story was about Health Insurance & the Uninsured).   I am thankful because I HAVE all those layers of Under Amor and socks and boots to put on.  No, I may not be thrilled to stand outside as Old Man Winter whips me around...but I will always be thankful.  Thankful that at the end of the day I have a hat for my head, shoes for my feet, a bed of my own and opportunities to help those who do not.  {##}

Comments

[RAY BEATTIE]

MS INSINGRA - IS THE BEST TV REPORTER ON TV .-RAY FROM LEVITTOWN

[John]

I was going to say that it sounded like a fun night, but I think I just like to hear about good charity fundraising. OK, and kielbasa's good snacking. Hm. Now I want some for lunch...

Minor detail: The links in your posts seem to get confused. Looks like the server tries to recognize addresses and when you type them in, there's a minor meltdown. No big deal, but if you're likely to lose a couple of people who try to click through to Maureen's Haven or one of the bands.