On Thursday October 18th, 445 Long Islanders gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage for the United Veterans Beacon House Sixth Annual Veterans Salute Gala Event. Thanks to our sponsors and supporters – we raised $280,000 to help support our housing and community-based programs, thereby serving even more homeless veterans and veteran families. The evening was truly amazing!
The event began with a welcome performance by James Graseck strolling violinist, followed by the cocktail reception, dinner, and silent and basket auctions.
Outstanding entertainment included opera singer Gary Lorentzen, who opened our dinner program with an acapella performance of the National Anthem. He was followed by patriotic tunes performed by the American Bombshells, which lasted through the evening.
The 2018 honoree, Mr. Edward J. Blaskey, EVP of Sterling National Bank, spoke about the importance of community engagement, and protecting and empowering the men and women who bravely served our nation. Ed brought the crowd to its feet when he announced the bank’s long-term commitment to Beacon House – and veterans in crisis – with an additional donation of $20,000! This donation will be used to form a joint partnership with Beacon House for the creation of a Fiscal Literacy Education Program. This generous donation brings Sterling National Bank’s support for 2018 to $30,000.
The 2018 Community Partnership of the Year Award was presented to Northwell Health. Northwell Health has been a strong supporter and partner of Beacon House for the past six years. They offer a wide range of vital health, wellness and workforce resources. Accepting the award on the company’s behalf was Mr. Vincent Cunningham, Regional Director.
The silent and basket auctions had our guests bidding on a Private Yacht Cruise for four to Fire Island, private box seats to “Hamilton” in NYC , Chopard sunglasses, $500 in NYS Lottery scratch off’s, and more.
All in all, the Sixth Annual Veterans Salute Gala was the best yet. We not only exceeding our fundraising goal, but we added new members to the Beacon House family. Onward to next year!
