All in Support of United Way of Long Island’s Veterans Programs
Bay Shore resident Jen Modica has crossed the finish line in the TCS NYC Marathon and raised over $4,300 for United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs. The nonprofit was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, which took on Sunday, November 7, 2021.
Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island said this was the sixth year the not-for profit has been invited to join the race under Team Mission United. “United Way of Long Island is pleased once again to be named an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. We were so proud to cheer on Jen and all of the members of Team Mission United on their journey to the iconic finish line as they raised important funds to benefit Long Island veterans.”
United Way’s Team Mission United is a dedicated group of athletes who run for the over 95,000 veterans and military families on Long Island. Mission United is a critical initiative of United Way of Long Island that focuses on supporting veterans’ services. This includes the areas of employment readiness & training, emergency financial assistance, case management and housing development.
Jen, Team Mission United Runner
Jen is grateful to be on United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and those affected by COVID-19 in her community.
In 2020, the New York City Marathon was cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite this, Jen remained committed to fundraising for her community during their time of need; she also participated in the 2020 virtual Marathon to stay connected. With a yearlong wait, Jen was ready to continue representing Team Mission United when she raced in this year’s 2021 New York City Marathon.
With the aftermath of the COVID-19 onset, Jen has faced her own share of complications throughout this time as her family faced a frightening period when her husband battled the illness himself. Personally affected by the pandemic, Jen knew first-hand how disruptive this health and economic crisis can be on families. Her situation was challenging, but she was very lucky as it was not dire; she recognized that thousands of Long Islanders were at rock bottom…so she and her daughter reached out to United Way of Long Island to help in any way that they could.
Jen joined Team Mission United to raise funds, and her daughter volunteered for the not-for-profit to help get gift cards into the hands of those who needed assistance. Jen feels fortunate for her circumstances and the strengthened bond in her family despite the difficulties of this time.
Along with dealing with the health crisis, her commitment to raising funds is also an expression of her gratitude for the veterans of Long Island, as her father served in Vietnam. Jen has always felt particularly supportive of the military. “There is nothing more noble, especially as a young person, than to serve your country. They should be taken care of… veterans should have 100% support forever.”
With all the disappointments caused by the current circumstances, Jen’s commitment to recognizing the members of her community in need is definitely inspiring.
The 2021 Team Mission United runners collectively have raised over $31,000 for United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs. Leading sponsors include: AARP, BottomLine Technologies, Hiram Cohen & Sons Insurance, National Grid, New York Community Bank Foundation and Royal Star Associates. To help Jen and her teammates continue their fundraising efforts visit: www.unitedwayli.org/teammissionunited