On Wednesday October 16th, 501 Long Islanders gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage for the United Veterans Beacon 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala. Thanks to our sponsors and supporters - we raised a record $298,000 to help support our housing and community-based programs, thereby serving even more homeless veterans and veteran families. The evening was truly amazing!
The festive affair began with the American Bombshells performing patriotic tunes during the welcome reception. The cocktail hour, dinner, and silent and basket auctions followed as guests mingled and enjoyed the festivities.
Outstanding entertainment included opera singer Gary Lorentzen, who opened the dinner program with an acapella performance of the National Anthem. The Todd Barrie Entertainment Group performed lovely jazz tunes throughout the remainder of the evening.
This year's gala featured the unveiling of a permanent addition to our annual celebration: The Red Carpet Salute Ceremony. Participating Long Island employers honored individual veteran employees, demonstrating their appreciation for the hard work and unique experiences veteran employees bring to the workplace. A hush fell over the room, and many grew quietly emotional as each honored veteran walked through the ballroom, along the red carpet, where they received a commemorative challenge coin.
Also memorable was the keynote address by Beacon House president and CEO, Frank Amalfitano. Frank spoke from the heart about his long history with Beacon House - from his early days driving around Long Island in his red GMC pick-up truck, working to get homeless veterans off the street - to the agency's present-day stature as a premier provider of services to homeless veterans. Over 24,000 veterans and veteran families assisted, 47 residential units providing shelter, over 100 dedicated staff, and thousands upon thousands of hours each year dedicated to helping veterans regain their independence. Frank thanked the crowd for their continued support of Beacon House and the veterans it serves.
The 2019 honoree, Mr. Richard Hoagland, Senior VP of GEICO, spoke of the importance of community engagement, and the ongoing need to support and protect the men and women who serve our nation. Mr. Frank Bono, Owner of Primi Italian Steakhouse received the 2019 Community Partner of the Year Award.
The 25th Anniversary Gala proved to be the best ever for United Veterans Beacon House. New records were set for funds raised and attendance. The Red Carpet Salute was an impactful addition to our program. Guests enjoyed musical entertainment, dining and making new connections with their fellow guests. Most importantly, our veterans were the primary beneficiaries. They will continue to receive housing, employment training, programming and other assistance they need; and Beacon House will continue to light the way toward a life of healthy independence for all veterans.
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