DEER PARK, N.Y. – The family behind the iconic Entenmann’s brand of baked goods has stepped forward with the signature gift in United Way of Long Island’s Net Zero Energy Building Campaign, a visionary, award-winning project that provides essential skills training for populations in need while setting a new standard in renewable energy for non-profit organizations across Long Island.
As this transformational project brings United Way of Long Island’s Deer Park headquarters into the next generation of energy efficiency, the Entenmann Family Center for Hope will be a hands-on training ground for United Way of Long Island’s Workforce Development Training Academy. The Academy consists of United Way’s signature VetsBuild, YouthBuild, and PowerUp! Wind, Solar & Renewables programs, serving veterans and young adults who are looking to carve out a career path in the fast-growing renewable energy industry.
“We, as a family, are honored not only to be part of United Way of Long Island but to have their Deer Park headquarters named The Entenmann Family Center for Hope,” said Jaime Padden. It’s been the support and loyalty of the Long Island community that enables us to continue fulfilling the wishes of my grandmother, father, and uncles in giving back to young adults, veterans, and all Long Islanders. It’s through United Way that growth and progress are accomplished, and we are proud to be a partner.”
With 576 PV solar modules, the Entenmann Family Center for Hope will function as a “command center” for non-profit organizations across Long Island that are impacted by catastrophic events like 2012’s Super Storm Sandy, allowing these vital organizations to continue serving the communities who rely on them when their own facilities are unavailable.
One of the largest solar arrays of any not-for-profit organization in New York State will be accompanied by heat pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, and battery backup, helping United Way of Long Island avoid more than $65,000 per year in energy costs. That savings will be re-invested to support United Way’s work to create opportunities for Long Islanders to live better lives through programs in the areas of health, education, and financial stability. In May 2023, Long Island Business News honored the Net Zero Energy Building Campaign as Long Island’s “Top Green Project” as part of its 2023 Real Estate, Architecture, and Engineering Awards.
The Net Zero Energy Building Campaign, funded with a lead grant from the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), now includes the Entenmann family as well as the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), Bank of America, the Bob Catell Family, Brookhaven Science Associates, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the Island Outreach Foundation, Suffolk Transportation Service, the Town of Babylon, Flushing Bank and many others. The campaign has also received essential in-kind support from the Haugland Group, Cameron Engineering, Emcor and Heritage Air, and Atom Power.
“The Entenmann family’s gift marks the next significant milestone for United Way of Long Island,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island, “and we are proud to have Entenmann’s as one of our longest-standing philanthropic partners. Given their history with our organization, it is truly fitting that our headquarters will be known as the Entenmann Family Center for Hope.”
To learn more about supporting the Net Zero Energy Building Campaign, visit www.unitedwayli.org/energychallenge.