posted November 14, 2012 05:55 PM            

Bideawee’s main facility in Manhattan, which has overlooked the East River for more than a century, sustained heavy flooding when the storm surge associated with last month’s hurricane pushed the river over its banks. The water swamped the facility’s isolation units and holding areas, and destroyed the elevator used to transport animals from the adoption center to the animal hospital where they receive life-saving medical care.

Due to the extensive damage—estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands—Bideawee has been unable to reopen its Manhattan facility, officials said.

All of the non-profit’s animals were safely evacuated to its sister facilities in Wantagh and Westhampton, both of which were without power for some time due to Sandy. Bideawee’s Campus for Pets and People in Wantagh had been relying on generator power for 11 days before its unit failed; staffers there relied on flashlights and heavy blankets to care for the animals until a rental generator could be secured.

Bideawee’s Westhampton shelter, meanwhile, had part of its metal roof sheered off by Sandy’s strong winds. Staffers are still caring for animals at the facility.

Those interested in making a donation to Bideawee are encouraged to visit www.bideawee.org/hurricane-relief.

Additionally, High Gear Cycling Studio in Westhampton Beach will be holding a fundraiser at its studio at 92 Old Riverhead Road this Sunday, November 18, starting at 9 a.m., to raise money for Bideawee. All proceeds will benefit the organization. Thirty-five bikes are available; call 631-998-4800 to reserve one.