January 19, 2005 (Press Release) --
Bay Shore, NY January 14th 2005 – The devastating fire that destroyed a West Islip landmark pet shop on December 18th has prompted neighboring communities and businesses to come together to raise money to rebuild the store. One in particular, Capitol Barter Exchange of Bay Shore, has taken the extra step of rallying its members to donate their goods and services to a fund raising event it’s sponsoring on Friday, February 4th at the Huntington Town House. A “No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament,” run by NY Poker Party will be held from 7PM – 1AM, complete with a 50’s Band, a free, delicious buffet dinner, and spectacular prizes to be raffled off.
“The loss of this pet shop was a terrible blow to the community,” says Richard Quinn, founder and CEO of Capitol Barter. “It saddened so many people. There were candlelight vigils. Supporters left stuffed animals and flowers at the site. People were heartbroken. BTJ’s owners are members of Capitol Barter, and though they were insured, there was insufficient money to rebuild at today’s prices, so we felt we had to do something to help out.”
And help out he did. So did Rhona Silver of the Huntington Town House who donated the room and the refreshments. Jewelers, restaurant owners, pet stores, antique dealers and many other members of Capitol Barter have pledged donations. One of the grand prizes is a stunning women’s fur coat, donated by Richard Quinn himself.
The Niehoff brothers – Bill, Tom and John took over BTJ’s which their parents founded in 1969, and ran it jointly. In addition to carrying puppies, kittens, birds, reptiles, fish, ferrets, chinchillas and the like, BTJ’s was somewhat of a sanctuary for abandoned animals. The brothers were known for taking in stray puppies, kittens, bunnies, reptiles, ferrets and guinea pigs and if less than healthy, having them treated by a veterinarian before putting them up for adoption. They would include a certificate for free veterinary care from one of the VCA pet hospitals with each purchase or adoption. The Neihoff family loved all animals and that love was manifested in their pet store, as customers often noted.
The fundraising event is free and open to the public. For those who want to play poker, registration is from 6:00 – 6:45PM on February 4th, and the buy-in is $125. Raffle drawings will take place around 9:30 PM. Non-poker players can come for the food, music, and the prizes. For those who can’t make the event but want to contribute, Capitol Barter has set up a website (www.btjfundraiser.com) which will accept cash donations and offer premiums as an incentive.
Capitol Barter Exchange, one of the foremost barter organizations on Long Island and the five boroughs, boasts well over 600 active members and reciprocal arrangements with thousands of merchants both nationally and internationally. They welcome new members with an immediate credit line and an active promotion of their business. For event of membership information, call 631.969.9388.
“The loss of this pet shop was a terrible blow to the community,” says Richard Quinn, founder and CEO of Capitol Barter. “It saddened so many people. There were candlelight vigils. Supporters left stuffed animals and flowers at the site. People were heartbroken. BTJ’s owners are members of Capitol Barter, and though they were insured, there was insufficient money to rebuild at today’s prices, so we felt we had to do something to help out.”
And help out he did. So did Rhona Silver of the Huntington Town House who donated the room and the refreshments. Jewelers, restaurant owners, pet stores, antique dealers and many other members of Capitol Barter have pledged donations. One of the grand prizes is a stunning women’s fur coat, donated by Richard Quinn himself.
The Niehoff brothers – Bill, Tom and John took over BTJ’s which their parents founded in 1969, and ran it jointly. In addition to carrying puppies, kittens, birds, reptiles, fish, ferrets, chinchillas and the like, BTJ’s was somewhat of a sanctuary for abandoned animals. The brothers were known for taking in stray puppies, kittens, bunnies, reptiles, ferrets and guinea pigs and if less than healthy, having them treated by a veterinarian before putting them up for adoption. They would include a certificate for free veterinary care from one of the VCA pet hospitals with each purchase or adoption. The Neihoff family loved all animals and that love was manifested in their pet store, as customers often noted.
The fundraising event is free and open to the public. For those who want to play poker, registration is from 6:00 – 6:45PM on February 4th, and the buy-in is $125. Raffle drawings will take place around 9:30 PM. Non-poker players can come for the food, music, and the prizes. For those who can’t make the event but want to contribute, Capitol Barter has set up a website (www.btjfundraiser.com) which will accept cash donations and offer premiums as an incentive.
Capitol Barter Exchange, one of the foremost barter organizations on Long Island and the five boroughs, boasts well over 600 active members and reciprocal arrangements with thousands of merchants both nationally and internationally. They welcome new members with an immediate credit line and an active promotion of their business. For event of membership information, call 631.969.9388.

Long Island Barter Company Comes to the Aid of One of its Members
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