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STORIES

Get ready for the Long Island Kosher BBQ

May 25, 2012 by Gift of Life News
“We’re grilling for a good cause”

Put on your bibs, bring your appetites and come get your cheeks swabbed. This June, Temple Beth Torah, a Conservative synagogue in Westbury, NY, will be hosting its first annual Long Island Kosher Barbeque. Modeled after and sanctioned by the famous ASBEE World Kosher BBQ Championship of Memphis, TN, the L.I. Kosher BBQ will not only feature competitions for categories such as best ribs and best brisket judged by some of the top food critics, but will be a ball of fun for the whole family with rides, a basketball competition and much more.

One of the competitors this year, Ari White, a born and raised Texan and owner of Gemstone Catering, will not only be cooking up the best brisket at his booth, “Smokin for Life”, but has also set aside space where those in attendance can come and get swabbed. This will allow thousands the chance to join the Gift of Life Bone Marrow registry and take the first step in saving someone’s life. To satisfy those talking tummies, Ari will be handing out free brisket sliders to anyone who gets swabbed and a full family package for individuals who donate $54 to cover the costs of testing for their swab kits.

Ari’s motivation to raise money, awareness and grow the Gift of Life’s registry is tied to his close connection to Ezra Fineman, a 3 year old boy battling an immune deficiency called Hyper lgM Syndrome. Ezra’s father, Evan Fineman, is like a brother to Ari. The two go all the way back to Yeshiva University, where they studied together and were roommates. “I was one of the witnesses at his wedding and have been there for Evan since day one. I just want to do something to help the Fineman family through this time of struggle in their lives,” said Ari.

The event will take place on June 10th at Temple Beth Torah, located at 243 Cantiague Rock Road in Westbury. Festivities are set to begin at 11:00am and will last until 3:30pm. The Long Island Kosher BBQ is sought out to be one of the biggest events for the Jewish community, with an expecting attendance of more than 2,000 individuals from both Long Island and across the country. Ari, who’s been waiting for such an event to come to Long Island, that allows him to showcase his skills and contribute to a great cause, is extremely excited for his chance to get invited to Memphis for the World Championship and to welcome hundreds of new faces into Gift of Life’s registry. “I’m totally in to win this. Not only take the title, but to swab a thousand people and raise lots of money to help offset the costs of processing and testing for the swab kits,” said Ari.