On Our Island 12/8/2023 | Long Island Business News

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New Ground hosts annual gala at the Garden City Hotel

New Ground celebrated the accomplishments of its Veterans and families while raising necessary, vital funds to continue innovative programming and services to “Break the Cycle of Homelessness” on Long Island. Held at the Garden City Hotel, the gala featured a silent auction, live entertainment and real-world testimonials from those who have experienced success through New Ground’s services. Honorees included Gerri and Gabriel Domenikos, AirLogix HVAC; AvalonBay Communities; and Melissa Mohan, Melmo Realty LLC.

Uniondale McDonald’s celebrates re-opening with charitable giving

In honor of the grand re-opening of McDonald’s in Uniondale, owner/operators Peter Rotolo and Kate Hunt-Rotolo held a special community event, which also included the presentation of a $50,000 check to RMHC New York Metro. The charitable donation will help with the organization’s vital care and services provided to families with loved ones battling pediatric illnesses.

Those in attendance included New York State Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, and RMHC New York Metro CEO Matthew Campo, as well as those representing both New York State Sen. Kevin Thomas and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Long Island Elite gala supports Paws of War charity partner

Long Island Elite held its largest fundraiser for the year in honor of Paws of War, the group’s 2023 charity partner. Known as the “Stars and Stripes” Gala, the event raised more than $125,000 for the Nesconset-based charity, which will be used toward its mission of providing services to veterans, first responders and their respective service or companion animals. With more than 350 in attendance, the gala also honored Steven Castleton, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army (Veteran Advocate of the Year); Thomas Joy, Suffolk County police officer and recruiter (First Responder of the Year); and Amrish Dias, producing branch manager, Cardinal Financial, LLP (Contemporary of the Year).

Bragoli & Associates awards $1K student volunteer scholarship

Melville-based personal injury law firm Bragoli & Associates awarded North Babylon High School senior Emily Meyer with its annual $1,000 volunteer scholarship. This honor is presented to a graduating Long Island high senior who has demonstrated an active commitment to community service. As a five-year-old on Christmas Eve, Meyer had a near-fatal allergic reaction and was rushed to the emergency room. During her hospital stay, the facility’s Child Life Department provided her with a bag of toys. Deeply moved by this gesture, she decided to give back by establishing the Emily Meyer Foundation, assisting children with illnesses, special needs, homelessness or displacement.