Wet fundraiser for NYFAC

The weather held up, but many in Howard Beach got wet anyway – at the fourth annual “Wash for Autism” and car show on Sunday, August 9.
Held at 82nd Street and 153rd Avenue, the day of suds and fun drew washers the likes of Councilmember Eric Ulrich and City Council candidate Frank Gulluscio, as well as many volunteers – and raised $5,270 for New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC).
Calling the outcome “fantastic,” Andrew Baumann, President and CEO of NYFAC, said that 137 cars were washed in total. He thanked the day’s volunteers – such as the Boy Scouts, Young Marines Program and Townsend Harris High School – and sponsors, including La Villa Pizzeria; Ace Hardware; Ira Biderman, DDS; Queens Pediatric Care and others.
Additionally, Queens County Savings Bank donated $2,500 to the cause.
Music was provided by John Passarella of Music Flex, who is also an Auxiliary Police Officer with the 106th Precinct and a volunteer with the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
Baumann said that big-hearted people donated $20, $75, even $100, though it was only $10 per car.
“All the money goes to the kids,” said Baumann.
Anthony Mercatante, whose mother Andrea works for NYFAC, estimated that he hosed down between 50 and 100 cars this year, his second.
Even two-year-old Hailey McNamara got into the act, eagerly soaping up the vehicles as they came through.
“I’m trying to help them raise money for Autism,” said Anjelica Barton, 19, who belongs to NYFAC, and who was washing her first car of the day.
To learn more about NYFAC, or to learn how you can help, visit www.nyfac.org or call 718-641-3441.