(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Contributed.)
The annual fundraiser for Rye FD unions’ charity efforts raised more than $135,000. Local 2029’s charitable organization, 2029 Fundraising, hosted its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026, bringing together almost 200 members of the Rye community. The proceeds support local causes and first responders in need.
“We were overwhelmed by the generosity in the room tonight,” said Sal Inguanti, president of 2029 Fundraising. “This event only happens because of the incredible group of Rye residents who volunteered their time on the planning committee and our board of directors. Their dedication, along with the support of this community, is what allows us to raise funds to support local organizations and first responders on an as-needed basis.”
Through a rolling grant program, funds raised are allocated across four giving “buckets”: child-focused initiatives, community impact projects, sponsorships for local organizations, and support for first responders facing tragedy or hardship. Grants are awarded through a vote of the organization’s Board of Directors, which includes both Rye Professional Firefighters and Rye residents. Since its founding, the organization has awarded grants to Friends of Rye Nature Center, Rye Recreation Camp Scholarship Fund, Rye Free Reading Room, Wainwright House, Midland School’s Thrive Outside Campaign, Rye Youth Council, and others.
The event, held at Harrison Meadows Country Club, is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Ball featured a cocktail reception with a Guinness bar and signature espresso martinis, followed by dinner, live music, and an energetic live auction and paddle raise. Auction items included a five-night Irish castle and golf adventure for four in Dublin and Donegal; a seven-night beachfront stay in Great Exuma, Bahamas; an exclusive golf package featuring rounds at Winged Foot Golf Club, Westchester Country Club, The Apawamis Club, and Harrison Meadows Country Club; a reservation for four at Rao’s, the iconic New York restaurant and Clay pigeon shooting and lunch at the Campfire Club of America.
The event was emceed by Colin Cosell, public address announcer for the New York Mets, who served as host and auctioneer. Guests in attendance included Rye Mayor Josh Nathan, Rye City Council members James Ward, Keith Cunningham, and Emily Padilla Baldwin, City Manager Brian Shea, and U.S. Congressman George Latimer, who attended as the guest of the Rye Volunteer Firefighters. Congressman Latimer’s wife, Robin Latimer, serves as a member of the Rye Volunteer Fire Department.
(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. The Rye Professional Firefighters. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Paul McMahon and Ben Foster. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Molly and James Pacala Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Mayor Josh Nathan, Ciy Manager Brian Shea, and Rye City Councilmembers Kieth Cunningham, Emily Padilha Baldwin and James Ward. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Winner of the Irish vacation Jamie Iacocca and event planning committee member, Avery Bullock. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. US Congressman George Latimer, guest of his wife and volunteer firefighter, Robin Latimer. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Laura and Derek Sudan. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Jonathan Wright, guest of Taurus Search, wins at the live auction Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Jessica and Jack Devaney. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Cristian Wade, guest of Lorono Homes bids in the live auction Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Jen and Tim Soliman. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. The color guard and bagpiper. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Auctioneer Colin Cosell thanks Michael Zicari for largest paddle raise donation of the evening. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Ali Cognetti, Val Chuebon, Christina Murphy. Contributed.)(PHOTO: The Rye FD’s Local 2029 Union raised more than $135,000 at its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Friday, March 20, 2026. Board of direcetors of 2029 Fundraising: Andrew Northshield, Cait Oberg, Val Chuebon, Victoria McMahon, Sal Inguanti, Ricky Colasacco, Cea Fong, and Andrew Wood. Contributed.)
