Festival raffle raises $1,000 for American Legion roof repairs

With her bright green eyelashes and wide-brimmed witch hat, Babylon artist Monica Friedrich was certainly noticeable at the village’s Fall Harvest Festival Street Fair on Saturday. She was dressed to match her equally eye-catching contribution to the festival: a vintage dollhouse made up as a haunted home.

“Every accent on it was handmade,” Friedrich said, pointing out the spiders, miniature straw scarecrows and painted pumpkins detailing the outside of the house. “See the little fish masks on the dolls? I wanted to get creative with their costumes.”

The dollhouse was part of a raffle that raised $1,000 for repairs to the roof of American Legion Post 94 on Grove Place, according to the Babylon Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the festival. The building’s roof has leaked during rainy weather due to damage from superstorm Sandy.

“The leaks could hinder the legion’s efforts to book parties and events, which is their main source of revenue,” said chamber president Jacqueline DiDonato. “The legion has done so much for us, and we wanted to give back to them.”

The American Legion and the chamber developed close ties in the aftermath of Sandy. Despite suffering roof damage, the post became a refuge for those who were left without power, supplying food, resources and shelter.

“Within three hours after the storm passed, our doors were open,” said sergeant of arms Bill Farley, of Post 94. “Hundreds of people came in and out everyday, for food, anything they needed.”

Post 94 also worked with the chamber and the Babylon School District to establish Babylon Helps, a community Facebook group dedicated to providing news and resources for those dealing with Sandy-related issues.

“We developed some pretty great connections with the chamber and with the community,” Farley said. “It’s amazing how in times of need, how this community comes together in a pinch.”