On Friday, Sept. 18, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1563 Montauk Highway in Bellport, Suffolk County Legis. Dominick Thorne and pastor of Cornerstone Christian Cultural Center Church of god in Christ, Xavier Hale, will be hosting the “Bellport Community Fair,” where community members can learn and connect with services available to them.
According to Hale, the day is one of “hope, love, resources, and community connection.”
“Our desire is to make the Bellport Community Fair an annual event through which the church, government, businesses, and local organizations unite to serve families and strengthen the entire community,” said Hale.
During the fair, attendees will enjoy music, entertainment, children’s activities, gaming, food, valuable information, and community resources.
There will be free hamburgers and hot dogs, groceries, diapers, baby clothing, gently used clothing, toys, backpacks, school supplies, and other items that can help families meet their everyday needs.
“Cornerstone Christian Cultural Center COGIC is a church that genuinely loves its community. We are not a church that is simply located in the community—we are a church that is actively involved in the life and well-being of the community. At C4, our mission is simple: We love God, we love people, and we make a difference,” said Hale.
“We believe our responsibility extends beyond holding worship services on Sunday. We also want to provide meaningful resources on Monday and throughout the week. Our goal is to meet not only the spiritual needs of our congregation, but also the practical needs of individuals and families throughout Bellport and the surrounding communities,” said Hale.
Hale, who was selected as Thorne’s 2024 Champion of Diversity in the seventh district, became the founder of C4 after having been an active member of his community for the past seven to 10 years.
“[Pastor Hale] has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving and uplifting those around him. Through his involvement in various initiatives, pastor Xavier Hale has made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals in the community,” said Thorne in his nomination.
In addition to his pastoring and building the C4 Church Ministry, Hale said that he would like to build homes for single mothers and create job opportunities for men who have been misplaced.
“I deeply value our partnership with Legis. Dominick Thorne because it demonstrates what can happen when faith, government, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses come together with a common purpose. This is not about political sides or personal agendas. It is about identifying the problems affecting our neighbors and working together to provide real solutions,” said Hale.
“Representatives from public agencies, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and private businesses will also be present to connect residents with services and opportunities that can improve their quality of life,” said Hale.
The partners include Suffolk County departments and agencies, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk CPR, Angels of Long Island, the Boys & Girls Club of the Bellport Area, M&T Bank, I’m My Sister’s Keeper Inc., EXHALE Multi-Cultural Community & Resource Center Inc., and several other community organizations and vendors.
“Many families in our community are facing serious challenges. Some have been displaced from their homes, some are living in shelters, and others are struggling to afford food, clothing, childcare necessities, and other basic resources. We want them to know that they have not been forgotten. C4 desires to be a beacon of light and a dependable resource for people who need encouragement, assistance, and hope,” said Hale.
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