When Tighe’s Bistro Américain announced they’re to host a special fundraising evening for Sand Lake Ambulance, the decision represents much more than a community event: it’s a tribute to someone who embodied the spirit of caring for neighbors.
Remembering Botsy: The Heart Behind the Cause
Robert T. “Botsy” Rosenberger Sr. fundamentally understood that building a strong community happens brick by brick, one conversation at a time. Born in Watervliet and raised in North Greenbush, Botsy learned his trade at Royal Barber School in Schenectady, before moving to Averill Park in 1975 where he continued building relationships behind the barber’s chair.
If you lived in Averill Park or the surrounding communities, chances are you’re likely connected to Botsy, whether through his barbershop where he gave great haircuts and told memorable jokes, his involvement with Sand Lake Kiwanis, his regular presence on the Troy Elks Golf League, or simply through his reputation as someone who made anyone feel like a friend. His barbershop was where neighbors became friends, where his legendary jokes brought laughter, and where you could find a listening ear.
Why This Fundraiser Matters
Today, emergency medicine is evolving, so are the challenges. Sand Lake Ambulance serves a growing community with rising call volumes while volunteer numbers shrink. Emergency medicine develops rapidly, and technology advances faster than our budgets can keep up. Despite these pressures, we answer every call with professionalism, compassion, and skill. But to keep up with growing demand, we need the right tools.
That’s why we’re raising funds for LUCAS 3 CPR devices: revolutionary equipment that delivers continuous chest compressions during cardiac arrest, even while transporting patients. The fundraising has been moving along steadily, but we need community support to get over the top and purchase not one, but two of these life-saving machines. Unlike manual CPR, these devices never get tired and never need breaks. For cardiac arrest patients, this technology can mean the difference between life and death.
Maintaining our ambulances and life-saving equipment costs thousands annually. We’re funded entirely by community donations, not taxes. Every dollar makes a real difference, bringing us closer to equipment that could save lives in our neighborhood.
More Than Emergency Response
Like Botsy’s barbershop, Sand Lake Ambulance is woven into our community’s fabric. We’re your neighbors and volunteers who step away from families and jobs when calls come in. When local businesses like Tighe’s Bistro dedicate evenings to supporting us, they demonstrate the interconnected spirit that makes our town strong.
This fundraiser embodies the values Botsy cherished: showing up for neighbors, making meaningful connections, and caring for our community. As you enjoy Tighe’s renowned cuisine, knowing all proceeds support the LUCAS 3 fund, you’re honoring his legacy while making emergency care better for everyone.
Join Us Tuesday, August 12th
Tighe’s Bistro Américain is opening its doors on Tuesday, August 12th at 5pm for a special fundraiser in honor of Botsy. They’ll offer a delicious buffet at no cost other than a donation in the amount of a haircut (plus a generous tip)—a perfect tribute to Botsy’s legacy—payable directly to Sand Lake Ambulance.
If you’re unable to join us that night, you can still help by sending your donation directly to Sand Lake Ambulance, Inc. at 3643 NY-43, West Sand Lake, NY 12196. To make a secure online deposit, visit our donation page on our website.Â
Emergency medicine may be evolving, but our mission remains constant: caring for neighbors when they need us most. With community support like this fundraiser, we’ll continue answering every call with the same spirit of connection that Botsy exemplified every day. Come for excellent food, stay for a meaningful cause, and leave knowing you’ve helped us get over the top in our fundraising goal.