Fundraiser Helps Beloved Owner Rebuild Fire-Damaged Deli

When E&W Greystone Deli back on July 17, owner Bill Waxon could do nothing but watch as members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department attempted to save his well-known Long Beach Road eatery.

Three months after the devastating fire, which left the deli's future in limbo, Waxon can do nothing but watch as members of the Rockville Centre community rally around him and his beloved deli.

Dozens of residents made it out to the rooftop bar of Monday night for a E&W Greystone Deli fundraiser organized by the Rockville Centre PBA. The evening's festivities included a $50 open bar and buffet, as well as several major raffles — of which 100 percent of the proceeds went to Waxon and his deli.

"We're very close with the Waxon family," said Jim Carty, president of the Rockville Centre PBA. "They've always been big supporters of the PBA and the Rockville Centre community at large. They had a little bit of a bad break this summer when their business burned down and we figured we'd do something for them."

Waxon said he stopped by the deli around 7:30 p.m. on July 17 and saw smoke billowing from the electrical panel. Flames quickly spread through the ceiling of the deli, which was being renovated at the time.

Jayne Sanpaolo has worked more than 60 hours a week in the deli for the last 12 years and said the deli has been a huge part of her life. "I love it so much. I have never worked with nicer people," she told Patch.

Sanpaolo also said when people see her around the village, they always ask when the deli will open up again.

"They love the deli. They love us, we love them," she said of the customers. "I can't wait for this place to open again."

And there were plenty of customers on hand Monday night, like Michael Lapkowski, ex-chief of the RVC Fire Department.

"[Waxon] has always taken care of and treated the village people and fire department very well, so it's a give back thing," said Lapkowski, who is a former village employee. "He treated us good, so now it's time to help him get his business back so we can go back and eat good food again."

While the fire was a devastating blow, Waxon said he has been absolutely astounded by the support of the community over the last few months.

"I'm a long-time resident of Rockville Centre and I've never seen the community come out like they did for me," Waxon said. "I don't why they did, but for some reason they've really, really supported me. ... It's just been overwhelming."

As for the much anticipated reopening, the third-generation Rockville Centre resident said he hopes to have his deli running again by January.