West Hempstead group to host 9/11 memorial fundraiser

The West Hempstead Community Support Association is hosting a fundraiser on March 8 to support the construction of a Sept. 11 memorial at Halls Pond Park that will include a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.

Twelve residents of West Hempstead died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the World Trade Center, making the memorial particularly meaningful to the community, WHCSA President Rosalie Norton said.

“It’s very important because a number of people who perished were very active in the community. We’re so proud of this project and it’s so near to our hearts,” Norton said.

Nassau County gave its approval for the memorial in the fall of 2012, but progress came to a halt after superstorm Sandy.

With the devastation created by the storm, Norton did not feel comfortable beginning the fundraising process.

“How do you go out to do fundraising for a memorial when people are suffering?” Norton said. “We just couldn’t do that.”

Now, association is ready to resume the $50,000 effort. The memorial was designed by West Hempstead resident and architect Salvatore Ferrara.

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“An Evening of Wine and Roses” will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. at the West Hempstead firehouse. Tickets are $15 per person and $25 per couple, with all proceeds going to the WHCSA’s World Trade Center Memorial Fund.

Guests also have the option to help decorate the event with flowers. A single rose can be sponsored for $5; a dozen goes for $50.

For more information, visit westhempsteadcivic.org.