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Community Corner

Patchogue Fundraiser Sends Guitars to Troops

Organization has sent approximately 200 guitars thus far.

recently hosted a fundraiser to help bring guitars to soldiers serving overseas.

While specific funds raised at the Patchogue event was unavailable, the Guitars 4 Troops organization has sent approximately 200 guitars to soldiers that request them thus far. The instruments cost an average of $300 to $700 to buy a guitar and $50 each to ship.

Musician Larry Goldfarb helped co-ordinate the charity event.

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"I heard a story on National Public Radio about a guitar shop in Nashville, Tennessee called Guitar Gallery and [the owner] had been approached by a soldier who wanted a guitar in Afghanistan in 2006," Goldfarb said. "It sounded like such a great thing that I called her and said that I wanted to help. I think that guitars to the guys is a great thing to do. After that call, I talked to Eric [Rifkin] and we got this show going. It's all voluntary."

Dozens of people attended the first annual fundraiser which featured several different musical groups and raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

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Eric Rifkin, the owner of Bobbique, said that the restaurant typically uses Sundays as charity event days.

"We've done fundraisers for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, leukemia...people come to me with their ideas and we make it happen. This is an organization that sends instruments overseas to the troops so that when they have downtime they can unwind and find music as an outlet. It was a great fit," Rifkin said.

Patchogue-Medford School Board of Education member Joseph LoSchiavo is also a guitarist and songwriter.

"I had to come out and support Larry [Goldfarb]. Leave it up to Larry to throw the best party and the best fundraiser," LoSchiavo said.

Sean Kazmark, currently a member of the Reserve Navy, served four years of international active duty.

"I think that this is a great event because I know how important it is to get reminders from home. I know how important it is just to get a simple letter, not just an email but a paper letter. So to get something as big as a guitar... I think it is really important to them to realize that people back home are still remembering you," Kazmark said.

A variety of guitars and other musical supplies are sent to the troops. Donations can be made via the "Guitars 4 Troops" website.

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