“Corona can’t stop Santa” and Corona can’t stop our JDRF advocate and supporter Joesph Mure Jr.. The show must go on – and this weekend in Rockaway Beach, NY Joesph Mure Jr. and his family and friends did just that! The Mure family kicked off the 25^th anniversary of their annual Little North Pole fundraising event and ushered in the holiday season at their home on Neponsit Avenue.

Every year the residents of Rockaway look forward to this highly anticipated event and Joe knew that now, more than ever, we needed to keep people smiling during these hard times.  Not letting COVID-19 slow them down, Joe and his family decorated their home with thousands of holiday lights, figurines, displays and so much more! This year the Mure family enlisted the help of two very special children to help them kick-off the 25^th annual Little North Pole- 15-year-old Guiseppe Sarrubbo  and 6-year-old Jenna Rainone. Guiseppe was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this October and was honored to be sharing this special night with Jenna- who recently had open heart surgery this year, a surgery that Joe himself went through last year.

Joesph Mure Jr. and the Little North Pole volunteers are working all month long to provide a safe and fun experience for all ages, for a cause near and dear to their heart. The Little North Pole is focused on spreading cheer this year, not germs. Folks walking or driving by to enjoy the light show will be greeted with signs along the lawn asking you to “Please wear your mask and practice social distancing for your safety.” Little North Pole is dedicated to putting smiles on every child’s face, from behind a mask or from 6ft away, and this year is no different!

This Saturday, December 12^th, Santa will be visiting from 5:00-6:30PM for a drive-by gift giveaway! Come by to say hello to Santa, see the lights, and get a toy.

Joesph Mure Jr. is dedicated to spreading holiday cheer, and to raising critical funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes. They have raised over $2.5 million for JDRF since starting Little North Pole over 25 years ago! We are so grateful for the incredibly dedicated and passionate community Joe has created to benefit JDRF. To learn more about Little North Pole and to help with their 2020 fundraising, please visit www.littlenorthpole.org.