United Way of Long Island welcomed over 600 attendees, including individuals, corporations, labor unions and organizations to its annual UNITED IN PURPOSE Celebration. Thanks to the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union and other supporters, the event raised over $750,000, making it one of the largest yearly philanthropic fundraisers on Long Island.
The event, held on June 11, 2024 at the Crest Hollow Country Club honored leaders who have demonstrated continued generosity and commitment to advance the organization’s mission, especially in the area of workforce development. Honorees included Sands New York – Corporate Impact Champion; Haugland Group – Workforce Investment Champion; and the Sheet Metal Workers Local 28 – Labor Champion.
Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island, when addressing the attendees remarked on the impact that the 2024 award recipients, as well as all of the generous supporters have made: “What a pleasure to celebrate this day with all of you! Heal the World…Make it a Better Place. Everyone pulling in the same direction. You truly have the heart, compassion and willingness to be a part of making our world here on Long Island a better place for thousands of families.”
Honorees:
Sands New York - Corporate Impact Champion. Ron Reese, Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs at Sands New York, said, “United Way has given Sands great counsel and insight on how to engage with this community. We are very humbled to accept this award. We know what it means in this community to be recognized by United Way.” Sands New York enters the region to make key investments and impact the futures of young people, allowing them opportunities in education and careers based on Long Island in the building development and hospitality industries.
Haugland Group - Workforce Investment Champion. Billy Haugland II, Chief Executive Officer of Haugland Group, said, “We are grateful to United Way for breaking down barriers to work in our industry. The power of our partnership demonstrates a cascading effect on the resiliency of Long Island, creating economic opportunity hyperlocal in our communities while introducing cleaner, green energy, improving life for all Long Islanders.” Haugland Group is making a difference in people's lives for generations to come through energy and career opportunities.
Sheet Metal Workers LOCAL 28 - Labor Champion. Brian Nigro, Business Representative for the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 28, said, “Thank you, United Way for this opportunity to display what my local does and what the trades can do. I found in my time in this trade that it's really not about the metal that keeps us all working, but it's about the partnerships and relationships you build over the years and helping other people to move up through the ranks.” The organization works tirelessly with United Way of Long Island to offer career training and placement opportunities within union labor, thereby supporting the local economy.
UNITED IN PURPOSE Celebration leading Sponsors include: Presenting Sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Premier Veterans Sponsor Sands New York, Excellence in Education Sponsor Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc., Workforce Investment Sponsor Haugland Group LLC, Health & Wellness Innovators Sponsor MagnaCare, Diamond Sponsor National Grid, Platinum Sponsors Flushing Bank and USI. Gold Sponsors AT & T Services, Inc., PSEG Long Island, Sheet Metal Workers of NYC & LI, and Local Union 28. Energy Efficiency Sponsor Bird Bus Sales. Silver Sponsors Bank of America, Deloitte, EMCOR, Eversource, Island Wide Remodeling, Leal Peterbilt of NYC LLC, Main Street Financial Group, Newsday, Nawrocki Smith, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., Sunrise Power Solutions, TriState Capital Bank, and UOTech. Bronze Sponsors M&T Bank, MSC Industrial Supply Co., Star Group LP, TWU Local 252, Webster Bank, and Wegmans.
To learn more about the UNITED IN PURPOSE Celebration, all its sponsors, and other ways to support United Way of Long Island, visit www.unitedwayli.org/UIP2024.