On Thursday, July 27, the Town of Hempstead hosted a Swim-A-Cross at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore. Over 600 swimmers, from ages six to 17, represented local teams from pools including Averill of Elmont, Echo of West Hempstead, Forest City of Wantagh, Malibu of Lido Beach, Newbridge of Bellmore, Oceanside, Rath of Franklin Square, and Veterans of East Meadow. These participants trained well for the event and garnered sponsorship to raise funds for the American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau).

Each of the eight teams arrived at Newbridge Road Park by buses provided by the Town of Hempstead and went poolside for a team rally. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray opened the event as she greeted each team individually, sparking friendly rivalry. "You all make the community proud, keep up the good work and swim well," said Murray.

ARC/Nassau Chief Executive Officer Frank Cassano added, "Think of yourselves when you see the Red Cross giving emergency assistance at a local disaster, because you made it possible."

The 600 swimmers raced up and down the lanes and raised $11,483 for ARC/Nassau. The Town of Hempstead Swim-A-Cross was one of the events leading up to the main event on Aug. 11 at Center Island Beach where participants swim one mile across Oyster Bay Harbor for the 17th Annual Swim-A-Cross. Friendly's, Jones Beach Events, and the New York Islanders all supported the Town of Hempstead Swim-A-Cross and were proud to cheer on the young philanthropists.

ARC/Nassau is a not-for-profit humanitarian service organization that is not a government agency and relies on the generous donations of others. ARC/Nassau provides emergency assistance to victims of disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, winter storms, floods and manmade disasters; safety-related courses, including CPR, First Aid and Aquatics; Holocaust and war victims tracing; and service to military families, such as emergency communication, financial assistance, counseling and leave requests. To make a financial contribution, take a safety course, volunteer or request more information, call 747-3500 or visit www.NassauRedCross.org. ARC/Nassau is located at 195 Willis Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501.