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The Fire Island Pines Property Owners' Association was incorporated in 1953 to assume responsibility for the community’s property, and through the years the association’s role has expanded to become the recognized local government representing the interests of Fire Island Pines with federal, state, Suffolk County and Town of Brookhaven officials and agencies. With more than 500 members, FIPPOA is led by elected officers and a board of directors who oversee the operations of the community and help protect the fragile ecosystem of a barrier island. FIPPOA operations include the Pines Harbor and Marina, which the association owns and from which it derives a substantial portion of the association’s income. Among the many responsibilities assumed by FIPPOA are beach erosion protection, harbor maintenance and beautification, safety and lighting, and operation of the post office. The association coordinates with other local government agencies for boardwalk maintenance, waste collection and mosquito control as well as negotiating contracts for passenger ferry and freight services. In addition, FIPPOA serves as liaison with electric, telecommunications and water utilities and the Suffolk County Police. The Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association Charitable Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to obtain donations and bequests with which to underwrite projects designed to protect and enhance the environment, beauty, health and cultural life of the Pines. Whyte Hall, the Fire Island Pines community center, is owned and operated by the Foundation and plays a central role in providing services and cultural activities to residents and visitors. The Pines Party, the Foundation’s major annual fundraiser, is a legendary all-night party on the beach and the premier event on the community’s summer calendar. Half of the proceeds of the Pines Party are earmarked for the FIPPOA Fund of the Stonewall Community Foundation. Since 1999, approximately $900,000 in grants have been awarded through Stonewall's FIPPOA Fund to 26 gay and lesbian organizations serving the New York community. The Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association Political Action Committee, governed by federal guidelines, supports political candidates who occupy or seek elected positions in which they can represent the interests of the Pines community. The PAC is vitally important in exercising political influence because of the relatively small number of voters registered locally in the Pines.
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