Peters Clam Bar in Island Park was buzzing with excitement as crowds gathered for the 11th annual Peter’s Clam Eating Contest. What began years ago as a quirky community challenge has evolved into one of Long Island’s most spirited charity events — and this year, it carried an even deeper purpose.
The contest was dedicated to 3-year-old Cooper Graham of Oceanside, who is fighting neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. The event brought neighbors, firefighters, and public officials together, raising more than $10,000 to support Cooper and his family.
The competition featured both a Firehouse Challenge and a public division, drawing first responders from across Long Island and beyond. Participants devoured hundreds of clams per round, with donations pledged for every clam eaten. In total, nearly 1,000 clams were consumed during the day, translating into thousands of dollars raised for Cooper’s cause.
The grand finale saw Larry Lehr of the East Rockaway Fire Department take first place by eating 45 clams. Lehr, along with fellow top finishers Mike Tedeschi and Andy Chin of the Port Washington Fire Department, donated their prize winnings back to Cooper’s fund, contributing an additional $4,500 to the total.
Surrounded by live music, food specials, and the cheers of hundreds of supporters, Cooper’s father, Mike Graham, expressed his gratitude. “Cooper is a true warrior,” he said, calling the community’s generosity overwhelming. “From Day One, the support has been incredible. We are so thankful to everyone who showed up for him.”
Since its founding in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the contest has raised nearly half a million dollars for charitable causes, with more than 88,000 clams donated by Peter’s Clam Bar owner Butch Yamali. Yamali, along with contest co-founder Anthony D’Esposito, emphasized that the event has always been about more than eating clams — it’s about giving back.
“This is what community looks like,” said Town of Hempstead Interim Supervisor John Ferretti, who helped host the day. “Everyone came together to lift up Cooper and his family. That’s the real heart of this tradition.”
For Cooper’s family, the day was not just about raising money but also about the outpouring of love and strength from neighbors and first responders. “On behalf of our family — this means the world,” Mike Graham said. “The fire service and this community always stand by us. Coop Strong!”