Bob Ehmer Bowling Fundraiser Nets More Than $35K

More than 100 people packed AMF East Meadow Lanes Saturday to help raise money for the Robert Ehmer Recovery Trust Fund.

Ehmer, owner of the BP gas station on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, suffered a massive heart attack in April. After 45 minutes of CPR, Ehmer had a heartbeat but his body and brain sustained serious trauma.

After nearly two months in the hospital, Ehmer was transferred to an acute rehabilitation center in Westchester and later to a sub-acute rehabilitation center on Long Island.

He continues working to regain speech, motor skills and mobility.

The Friends of Bob" bowling fundraiser raised more than $35,000 for the recovery fund, created by Janice Pielhop Ortellado, a friend of the Ehmer family.

"Some drove hours to be there, many were local, others donated their time, some donated raffles, many bought raffles, art work and cards," Ortellado said. "Some came and just brought their moral support. Many thought of us, wishing they could be with us, and were with us in spirit. Everyone brought love! The event was completely spectacular!"

Monies raised help pay for ongoing costs associated with hospital expenses, rehabilitation bills, medications, prosthetics, necessary home modifications and other day-to-day expenses.

To date, $153,834 has been raised. The goal is $300,000.

Bob, his wife, Joanne, and children, Teddy and Maddy, surprised supporters when they stopped by the bowling alley.

A note on the fundraising page from the Ehmers reads, in part: "Our family, friends (old and new) and those of you who we have not even had the pleasure of meeting yet have all touched us so deeply. How do you thank people who give so much, expecting nothing in return? I can tell you we will spend the rest of our lives trying to figure it out and paying it forward every chance we have."

If you would like to donate, please make checks payable to the “Robert Ehmer Recovery Trust Fund” and send to Joanne Ehmer, P.O. Box 402
Greenvale, NY 11548.

For more information, or to donate online, click here.