BBBSLI Hosts Annual Gala
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) shared the power of mentoring with 450 guests at their 12th Annual Presidential Gala on Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Crest Hollow Country Club. The event honored Men of the Year Andrew Corrado and James Metzger.
Little Brothers George and Elijah along with Little Sister Emily shared the podium and read letters to their “Bigs” with the audience. Emily, matched for over five years with Big Sister Lori Diamond of Lynbrook wrote, “Lori, I am grateful for your presence in my life. I appreciate that you’ve given so much of your time and energy to make me a better person.” Little Brother George, who towers over Big Brother Tom Cucitro of Floral Park, also shared his gratitude. “Growing up without a father was hard until you showed up. I just can’t express how much your kindness and friendship has meant to me.”
Both of the 2010 Men of the Year have given much of their time and energy to making a positive impact in the lives of Long Island’s children, and along with the Gala Committee, were instrumental in raising nearly $300,000.
Andrew Corrado, senior vice president and market president for Nassau County for Capital One Bank, has served as a member of the Board of Directors for over 19 years, is on the BBBSLI Scholarship Committee, and also serves as chairman of the board for the Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education. James Metzger, Chairman and CEO of the Whitmore Group, is a member of the board of directors, major donor to the recently named James C. Metzger/E.David Woycik, Jr. Endowment Fund for BBBSLI, and a prominent philanthropist on Long Island.
“I have remained a supporter of this agency for close to two decades because there are children who still need our help,” remarked Corrado. “I have heard firsthand from our Littles how their lives have been impacted, and that’s clearly the reason why I keep coming back, year after year.”
“I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support I have received, and we have received as an agency to make this year’s Gala a huge success,” said Metzger. “It’s about Elijah, about George and about Emily.”
BBBSLI provides a system of ongoing evaluation and support, which is proven by independent studies to help families by improving the odds that “Littles” will perform better in school and avoid violence and illegal activities, and have stronger relationships with their parents and peers. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, please visit us at www.bbbsli.org.
