Virtual Event Raises Funds for Families Affected by COVID-19
June 21, 2021 (Deer Park, NY) - United Way of Long Island held a Virtual Salute and Recognition Ceremony on June 16 raising $25,000 to support Long Island families who have been affected by COVID-19.
The virtual event, sponsored by Clare Rose, Inc. honored more than 275 local workforce heroes spanning across a range of industries who made life brighter and easier to manage during the pandemic. Family, friends, colleagues and neighbors submitted their hero(es) to be recognized for acts of kindness, courage and compassion, and/or how they were supportive during this extraordinarily challenging time. Honorees received a Certificate of Recognition, and their photos and stories are featured on United Way's Wall of Heroes.
Sean Rose, CEO, Clare Rose Inc., stated the importance of this event, “This is a very unique opportunity for us to show our appreciation to our workforce. We are so proud of how our employees remained positive, even under such duress and unprecedented conditions. We commend their efforts, as well as all of the heroes being honored.”
Guests from a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, labor unions, nonprofit, retail, restaurant, food grocery, public service, small business and more joined United Way to acknowledge these champions.
Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO, United Way of Long Island remarked, “We are honoring workforce heroes who selflessly helped others get through the most trying of times. From a nurse helping a patient emotionally because their family could not visit; to the delivery driver who made sure every package got to its destination, even when so many businesses were shuttered; to a neighbor or community agency who is safeguarding our senior citizens by making sure they have food and are staying healthy and safe.” She added, “This is your time to shine and we Salute You.”
To enhance this special occasion, attendees received a salute kit to cheer on heroes during the event. This included celebratory sparkling cider and festive drinking glasses, a Mission United bandana and a remembrance candle. The event included a moment of silence to reflect and remember loved ones lost to COVID-19.
Funds raised will support families and individuals, including seniors and veterans who were affected by the pandemic. This includes providing emergency financial assistance as well as help with utility bills.
Leading Event Supporters include: Clare Rose, Inc., Family Health Centers Long Island FQHC, Inc., Ridgewood Savings Bank, STAR Group, Choice for All, EPIC Long Island, Hispanic Brotherhood, Gurwin Healthcare System, Local 282 Teamsters, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, Martinelli's, National Grid, PSEG Long Island, Suffolk Community College, UFCW Local 342, Woodward Children's Center.
To support United Way of Long Island’s COVID-19 Fund visit www.unitedwayli.org/virtualsalute.
Photo Caption: Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island speaks at the nonprofit’s Virtual Salute & Recognition Ceremony. The virtual event honored more than 275 local workforce heroes who helped make life brighter and easier to manage during the pandemic, as well as raised $25,000 to support Long Island families affected by COVID-19.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit UnitedWayLI.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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