Sayville Civic's Derby fundraiser a success

With a perfect spring day as the backdrop for the Greater Sayville Civic Association’s Kentucky Derby fundraiser, over 150 people came out in support of the community group’s ongoing work on Saturday, May 2 at Momo’s Too in Bayport.

Town-favorite vintage shop, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, was on hand before the event to help attendees look their best for the evening at the races with a wide selection of hats, dating back as far as the 1940s, and offering a 10 percent discount for those that were purchasing for “the Derby.”

Following the pandemic, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique on Sayville’s Main Street had a large supply of hats because of inventory from the previous year, and added acquisitions from people being able to clean out their grandmothers’ stockpile of vintage headwear.
“We have been getting hit heavier than ever with beautiful merchandise,” said Dominque Maciejka, owner of Paper Doll Vintage Boutique.

For each Derby customer, Maciejka inquired about their proposed outfit for the evening and matched with several options.

With most women wearing dresses in pastels or florals, Maciejka offered to customize the hats with additional feathers for that extra indulgent Derby feel.

“I wanted to help the civic because I love Sayville and this amazing community! What a wonderful event and organization!” said Maciejka.

Christine Sarni, president of the Greater Sayville Civic Association, dressed in a classic black, white, and red ensemble, gracefully announced winners of the generous raffle baskets donated by local businesses through the coordination of Sayville Chamber president Eileen Tyznar.

The proceeds of the fundraiser will support the mission of the civic to give back to the community.

Specifically, “it will support our two senior scholarships, help us support our newly created Junior Civic, help fund our Adopt-a-Family initiatives with the Sayville Food Pantry, and enable us to purchase native plants to continue our commitment to a healthy bay,” said Sarni, adding, “it will also allow us to work with and support other local organizations and give us the opportunity to explore other avenues where we can be of help.”

Sarni cited limited funding as a pigeonhole for more expansive ideas, and thus why fundraisers like Derby Night were particularly important for the civic.

Earlier in the year, the civic held a Light the Night, where over 700 households participated in purchasing luminaries to honor pandemic heroes.

Rich Comunale, owner of Momo’s Too, was enthusiastic when asked to help the civic in hosting the Derby event.

“Momo’s Too is all about being a community gathering place and when we had the opportunity to support a local civic group’s fundraiser, we were honored to help,” Comunale said.

Civic Association president Christine Sarni pulled together all local resources to put on a fabulous Derby Night.