Oyster Bay officials recognize Coach Meeting House

Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh recently joined with representatives from the YOLO Strong Foundation to thank the Coach Meeting House restaurant for assisting needy families during the COVID pandemic.

The YOLO foundation, based in Oyster Bay, consists of over 200 members who organize fundraising events to help sick kids, those with special needs and those who are medically fragile.

"The amazing women in the YOLO Strong Foundation have helped countless families throughout Oyster Bay through their traditional fundraising events," Saladino said. "During the pandemic, the foundation was forced to put their usual fundraising efforts on hold, and soon the re-imagined Oyster Festival helped them continue their very important mission."

Coach Meeting House, a restaurant that opened in March on Mill River Road in Oyster Bay - only three days before COVID lockdown - offers drive-through food and frozen cocktails. Russ Lundstrum, owner of the Coach, selected the YOLO Strong Foundation to be its benefactor. The assistance from the Coach helped two families experiencing hardships due to extensive medical needs by their children.

"The great thing about donating to this organization is that you can be sure the assistance stays right here in our community," Councilwoman Vicki Walsh said. "The people that are helped by YOLO, they are families right here in the Town of Oyster Bay. They are our neighbors. They live on our blocks. They are students in your children's classrooms. It's so inspiring to see what can happen when a group of people – who truly care – come together for the betterment of others."

Residents who want to help families with children in need can visit YoloStrong.com to learn more. The Coach Meeting House is located on 160 Mill River Road in Oyster Bay, the site of the former Mill River Inn restaurant.