The Pride in Port committee has announced that Peter and Jeri Dejana, of the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation, will lead off this year’s parade as the grand marshals. The foundation founders were chosen based on their strong support of so many in the Port Washington community. The Pride in Port parade is on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11:30 a.m.
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation’s mission is to assist nonprofit organizations in their efforts to offer and expand programming and other services to their respective memberships. While the foundation’s giving is broad and diverse, focus is predominantly within Port Washington and surrounding communities. Keeping the foundation’s giving primarily local is directly related to Peter Dejana’s love for Port Washington, having spent his entire life here after emigrating from Italy when he was 14 years old.
“Jeri and I were extremely touched and honored to have been chosen as this year’s Pride in Port grand marshals,” said Peter Dejana. “Having lived in Port Washington since emigrating from Italy as a teenager, I feel so proud to be recognized during an event that embodies all the wonderful attributes of our community. ‘Pride in Port’ best says how I feel.”
The foundation also provides additional support to its recipient organizations by helping to promote awareness of their organizations’ offerings. This serves to help organizations get the word out for greater independence and sustainability for the future. The Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation is committed to further enriching the Port Washington community.
Dejana are the grand marshals of the 2015 Pride in Port Parade.
“Although a tremendous amount of hard work and ingenuity are the main reasons why Dejana Industries has enjoyed such great success over the years, I also feel truly blessed to have been so fortunate,” said Peter Dejana. “Fortunate for my success, but just as fortunate to live and work in and give back to the community I love so much. Although the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation gives to organizations in surrounding communities as well as national charities, there are so many important charities right here in Port Washington. Why not give back in this terrific community that has meant so much to my family and me?”
Peter Dejana continued, “Whether we donate a few thousand dollars to help a small organization grow or provide substantial grant money that helps a well-established charity to dramatically extend its programming, every donation is important to us. That said, a recent pledge I feel particularly proud of is our commitment to providing funding over the next five years towards the Port Washington Public Library Children’s Library expansion. When I reviewed the architectural drawings and spoke with the planners, I was so impressed with the vision they have for our children and the beloved and life-enriching library space. Children will enjoy all that it will offer for decades. I cannot wait to visit the space when the construction is completed.”
Jim Avena, grant administrator for the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation, said. “I am so proud to be involved in the level and diversity of giving the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation shares with our community. Although we have guidelines as to the types of charities we donate to, the Port Washington-based ones are very organized in their financial reporting, which makes our decision much easier.”
The Pride in Port Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. on Main Street at Belleview Avenue, continues up Main Street to Port Washington Boulevard and ends at Schreiber High School.
Family Fun Day commences at 11:45 a.m. on Campus Drive. There will be inflatables, games and music. Most activities are free. Food is available for purchase.
At 12:45 p.m., there is a free senior luncheon with entertainment and door prizes in the Schreiber cafeteria. At 2 p.m., there is a Schreiber High School varsity football game with a Hall of Fame Induction at halftime. The Pride in Port dinner dance is at 7 p.m. in the Starlight Ballroom at the Polish American Citizen’s Association, 5 Pulaski Place. Community honorees are Annette Oestreich, Precision Work Inc. and Troy Pierce, Pierce Bus Lines.
Tickets cost $30 in advance, $35 at the door. For more information, call 516-883-6566.
