He waited from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at town hall to give away money. The antithesis of the tax man, Michael Caplice, Long Island representative for NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, sat poised at his lap top to search the database for forgotten or over looked funds gathering dust in the $8 billion in unclaimed funds held by the state. The database goes back 70 years.

Calpice said about 30 people trickled into town hall hopeful of a windfall and he "printed about 24 forms" although certain individuals searched successfully for more than one name, so the number is a little misleading. To reclaim the funds one had simply to fill out the form, sign it having the signature notarized, then send it to the designated address.

The session was sponsored by Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Councilwoman Maria-Christina Poons and NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Supervisor Kaiman noted that, "the State Comptroller is the custodian of this money until you claim it. For NYS residents' protection, investment firms, utilities, banks, insurance companies and many other businesses are required by state law to surrender inactive accounts to the state. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and his office are truly providing a wonderful service for our residents." Councilwoman Poons added, "New York State never takes any ownership of these monies. However, applicants must provide proof that they are entitled to the money."

Mr. Caplice noted that, "once proof of ownership is verified, the monies will be returned to the owner without charge." He continued, "New York State residents and others may also check for unclaimed funds on-line at www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/index.htm or by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-221-9311."

While at town hall this reporter asked Caplice to search under her name and the search was positive. Out there, among the unclaimed $8 billion, is a Bed, Bath and Beyond certificate in her name.