The start of this new year also marks the start of a genuine, heartfelt effort that will be made on the part of a group of Long Island Interior Design professionals. A newly formed committee, Designers Pay It Forward! (PIF) recently materialized when more than a few IDS members expressed their desire to donate their services to deserving groups of people around Long Island whose living spaces are in need of improvement.
“It is a vital part of Interior Design Society’s role to give back to the community,” says Sal Campitiello, the current president of the Long Island chapter of IDS. “Our members jumped at the chance to give their time, talent and resources to help improve the quality of life for those who do not have that opportunity.”
Designers Pay It Forward! has identified the first not-for-profit project in 2012 to be a major kitchen renovation for Mercy First in Syosset, NY, a school and residence for abused or neglected children where 120 children, aged 12-18, currently reside. The facility is in dire need of a new kitchen and multi-purpose independent living space where students can take food preparation classes and also enjoy other special occasions. Plans for the new kitchen space are already in the works with project completion targeted for August 2012, in time for the start of the new school year.
Not your typical remodeling project, all design services, materials, labor and installations will either be donated by IDS members, or paid for by charitable contributions, sponsorships and fundraising efforts. The committee is currently reaching out to the all areas of the Long Island community for interest and support in these charitable endeavors.
The second project on the table for 2012 is Hawthorne House in Farmingdale, NY, is scheduled to commence in the fall. Part of Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities (ACLD), Hawthorne House is home to 5 special needs adults who reside there on a permanent basis. This residence has a large common area that is shared with staff, and desperately needs to be refurbished with new carpet, paint window treatments and furnishings.
To inquire about sponsoring a Designers Pay It Forward! project or for more information please contact Nancy Ganzekaufer, current vice president and PIF committee chairperson, at nancy@expressiveliving.com.
