Nick Johannets said UNICO’s annual Clambake has been going on for at least 15 years. He said the money they raise at this event goes into the general fund to support numerous local charities and individuals.

“We split it out and do a lot of things,” he said, adding that what comes in, goes right on out.

Johannets said in the fiscal year from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 the UNICO board gave out $21,325 to support a host of local organizations; Marlboro High School Achievement Awards for two graduating seniors, food cards to local families in need, the Marlboro School District Backpack Program, the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s and Ascension Holy Trinity Food Pantries, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make a Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley, to name just a few.

UNICO Charter member [1988] Dan Martuscello said the weather for the event was perfect, “and we’re very fortunate with Vic [Spaccarelli] at Benmarl Winery here who has always been very accommodating to us. It’s a fantastic place.”

Martuscello said they do not have to advertise the Clambake because it has become a fixture on everybody’s calendar.

“People have come to know that we do it each year; it’s a beautiful, nice thing,” he said. “Even though it’s all buffet style, it amazes me how everybody comes, everybody get along and they all know the drill.”

Martuscello said there are about 65 members of the Marlborough chapter of UNICO.

“We are always looking for younger members and if people want to join we’d be happy to have anyone look us up and give us a call,” he said. “We are a service-based organization and we try to do things here for local families and for local children. However we can to help the community we try to give back.”

Vic Spaccarelli Jr. said when he purchased Benmarl Winery he offered UNICO the use of his facility.

“That’s got to be twelve years ago and since then the event has been growing and growing and we always have a beautiful time up here,” he said. “They come up here maybe every other month or so for meetings and we all have a good time. I am an honorary member and I enjoy it. I always say it’s nice to give back; it’s just a beautiful thing.”