United Way of Long Island’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) hosted its highly anticipated Summer Social on August 6 at Blue Point Brewery, bringing together over 120 attendees for an evening of networking, entertainment, and community impact. The event successfully raised more than $12,000 and collected several boxes of school supplies to benefit United Way’s Stuff-A-Bus initiative, which provides backpacks and essential school supplies to elementary students across Long Island, ensuring they have the confidence they need to succeed.
Now in its 18th year, Stuff-A-Bus continues to ensure that children from underserved communities walk into the classroom prepared to learn and succeed. The funds raised from the Summer Social will directly support the purchase of supplies for the upcoming school year.
Hannah McCarthy, Assistant Principal at Laurel Park Elementary School in Brentwood, shared:
“The donations we’ve received through the Stuff-a-Bus initiative have made a profound impact on our school community. Each year, our teachers share supply lists with families, but we know that many students arrive with only a few items or sometimes none at all. Thanks to these donations, our staff can confidently ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed from day one.”
One moment that stands out in her memory is one student who, due to unfortunate circumstances, had very unstable living conditions and was bouncing around from house to shelter to house, and then, with a very sad turn of events, lost his father. He missed numerous days of school and lost many supplies through multiple moves. With the supplies donated, we were able to make sure he had what he needed whenever he returned to school. Because of this, he stayed consistent with his schoolwork and never let it falter. He finished the school year successfully with amazing grades and rave reports from his teacher
The Summer Social was made possible thanks to the dedication of the YPN Co-Chairs: Justin Merk, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union; Lauren Grasso, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.; Brendan Bateman, Flushing Bank; the YPN committee; and the generosity of its sponsors. Attendees enjoyed craft brews, live entertainment, raffles, and meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow young professionals passionate about making a difference in their community.
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