Event to aid Nassau firefighters' exhibit

A Casino Night to raise funds for an exhibit to honor the 18 Nassau County volunteer firefighters who died on 9/11 is set for July 27 in Woodbury.

The $75,000 exhibit will be on display at the Nassau Firefighters Museum and Education Center in Uniondale from late August through early November.

"Thinking of ways to help contribute to the cause, I quickly realized that my personal financial contributions would only be a drop in the bucket," said Carle Place volunteer firefighter Franklin Manchester.

Moreover, Manchester said he realized that for the exhibit to be built by late August, "the museum was going to need funding from the general public."

He said he reached out to his boss, Anthony Scotto, president of Scotto Brothers catering halls, who offered one of his sites -- Fox Hollow -- in Woodbury for the event.

He had one condition," said Manchester. " 'Make sure it's a success.' "

The goal of the 5,000-square-foot exhibit is to "remind Long Islanders of the sacrifices" of the 18 active Nassau County volunteer firefighters who died in the terrorist attacks, and of "the impact the events of that day had on our entire region -- especially the fire service," said Alana Petrocelli, the museum's executive director.

Manchester added: "This [exhibit] is about all of those who made the extreme sacrifice on 9/11, as well as their friends, family and loved ones [and] those who continue to serve and would once again put their lives at risk to protect and serve others."

The $100-a-plate event will run from 6 to 11 p.m. The catering hall, which holds more than 1,000 people, will be reserved entirely for the fundraiser that night.

For more information on the July 27 event, call 516-224-8184.