Fireworks For Fresh Air

Kirk Cassels

The happy campers, and their counselors, of the Southampton Fresh Air Home.

Felix and Donna Grucci, with Chris Gamboni, before their fireworks started.

Gabrielle Ross sings an inspiring song to the campers of the Southampton Fresh Air Home.

Southampton Mayor Mark Epley at the American Picnic.

The view of the fireworks was great from up high.

The Southampton Fresh Air Home celebrated the Fourth of July holiday early, and its 106th camping season, with the 20th Annual American Picnic with Grucci Fireworks last night. This fundraising event (which raises over 40% of the Home's annual operating expenses) brough friends, family and community together a private, oceanfront home for an evening of picnic eating, carnival games and, of course, a grand finale of fireworks that lit up the sky over the glimmering waters of Shinnecock Bay.

In addition to the visual spectacles and good-eating, 17-year-old Gabrielle Ross, who recently won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre, contributed her extraordinary talent with an exclusive performance for the campers- who were in awe of her the moment she stood before them.

The 150 physically challenged children and young adults from the tri-state area will experience camp life and build summer memories and friendships at the Southampton Fresh Air Home this summer thanks to the support of all who showed up Friday night.

The Fresh Air Home's need for support, obviously, did not end with this event. You can help out by clicking here.