May 11, 2016 (Deer Park, NY) -- United Way of Long Island honored organizations, individuals and Labor Unions at its annual LIVE UNITED Celebration Luncheon today at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The fundraising event raised upwards of $600,000 supported by longtime Title Sponsor, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and was hosted by Long Island native Carol Leifer; Comedian, Writer for Seinfeld and SNL, 4-Time Emmy Award Nominee, and Best Selling Author.
This event is one of the largest yearly philanthropic events on Long Island, with more than 800 guests honoring and paying tribute to some of United Way’s most prominent supporters.
The 2016 LIVE UNITED Luncheon presented four awards for individual, corporate, foundation and labor leaders who have shown the dedication and ongoing generosity and commitment to help United Way of Long Island assist and improve the lives of thousands of individuals on Long Island:
- The Anthony J. Stupore LIVE UNITED Volunteer Champion - John R. Durso, President, , Local 338 RWDSU/ UFCW and Long Island Federation of Labor
- LIVE UNITED Corporate Champion - Macy’s Inc.
- The Elena M. Perez Pioneer Vision - The Island Outreach Foundation
- The LIVE UNITED Labor Champion - Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW
Joining the honorees were special guests who embodied the heart of the United Way’s mission of bettering the lives of all. Morgiana McDevitt, an Islip High School student received a scholarship grant to continue her performance art education after singing the National Anthem. In addition, Team Mission United, a group of nine runners participating in the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising on behalf of United Way’s Mission United program, were recognized including a U.S. Army and U.S. Marine veteran, and a military mom who has a husband and son who are veterans and two sons who are active military.
Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island remarked on the impact that the 2016 Honorees have made. She said, “We are so grateful for all of our honorees, who’ve shown a deep commitment in helping to build our community. We know firsthand that there are thousands of choices when people are looking to make a positive impact, and we are humbled by our supporters entrusting United Way of Long Island to advance the common good.”