Michael Abatemarco and Gerry Oakes, Vice President of Swim Across America Michael Abatemarco of Boy Scout Troop 56 recently completed his Eagle Scout Project to benefit the Interfaith Nutrition Network in Hempstead, which provides food and shelter to the homeless. Michael has also been very involved as a volunteer during the past six years with Swim Across America, Inc. which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming related events.

Michael wished to take his commitment to this charitable cause to a higher level so he met with Mr. Gerry Oakes who is the Vice President of Swim Across America and the Chairperson of the Long Island Chapter of the organization. Now, instead of swimming and raising money individually, Michael has organized a team of swimmers to join in this effort. Michael also worked hard to secure the sponsorship of several local businesses and corporations. The team consists primarily of boy scouts and Adult Leaders from Troop 56, current and former Eagle Scouts, and members of his Garden City High School Swim Team.

Michael's team will join other teams and individual swimmers in a 1 mile swim in Long Island Sound on Saturday, August 16, 2008. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Morgan Memorial Park in Glen Cove. Due to the efforts and commitment of Michael Abatemarco and other volunteers and swimmers nationwide, Swim Across America is helping to find a cure for cancer through athleticism and community outreach. For more information about Swim Across America visit our website at www.swimacrossamerica.org or contact Mr. Gerry Oakes at Gerry@swimacrossamerica.org .