The much-anticipated fund raiser organized jointly by the Town of Oyster Bay and the Massapequa Lacrosse Club was everything it was supposed to be.

"This is what our community is all about," said Gary Slavin, one of the organizers of the event. "Give them a reason and they come out in droves to support a cause."

Slavin credits the inspiration and driving force behind the event to John and Patty Lynott, whose son Jonathan was diagnosed with diabetes last year.

"Jonathan is doing fine, but there's work to be done", Slavin reported.

Slavin couldn't be more correct. Diabetes effects over 20 million people in the United States, organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) help to fight the disease and are trying to find a cure. Fundraising efforts like this are key.

"When Gary and I brought this idea to the Town, Supervisor John Venditto completely embraced the idea." Lynott, a volunteer athletic coach in Massapequa, agreed. "This was a tribute to our game. It was a total team effort."

More than 60 teams participated in the event and over 200 Games were played. Teams from all over Long Island and as far away as Connecticut came to contribute. VIP's included former New York Jet great Marty Lyons and American Idol, Kevin Covais, who sung the National Anthem, led the Walk for a Cure and shared his own experiences with the disease. Councilwoman Rose Walker was on hand for the festivities and spent time walking and talking, confirming that the Town of Oyster Bay is behind these efforts 100 percent.

The unsung heroes of the event were the referees.

"These guys were great," said Slavin, "Some of them were out there for hours on end and only left when they were relieved. These guys are true heroes."

Lynott also pointed out that organizations like The Long Island Express, The Liberty, and NYAC participated and contributed mightily. "I want to name them all, but there's just not enough time."

Reportedly, more than $45,000 was raised and Lynott praised his brothers in the Massapequa Lacrosse Club for their support and drive. As a former lieutenant for the FDNY, Lynott said brotherhood in the MLC is alive and well. He believes the tournament has made them stronger than ever and says it is only the beginning.

Fundraising efforts were spearheaded by Jim Slattery whose relentless determination to get companies to donate really paid off. All board members worked countless hours to make this tournament a success.

"Lacrosse has been a part of my life for a long time and this is why." said Lynott. He thanks the community of Massapequa and the Town of Oyster Bay for their support.

At the end of the festivities on Sunday, Al Blau, a lacrosse icon, came out of retirement to referee the last game of t h e Supervisor 's Cup, the over 35 contingent. The championship was won by a team of Farmingdale Alums playing out of Kaseys pub.

M a s s a p e q u a / Elmont also known as Mass-Mont, can't wait for next year to win back the Supervisor's cup. This was a total team effort by all accounts and truly paid off for Massapequa Lacrosse Club and JDRF, said organizers.