More than 400 people turned out for the first-ever Long Island Spooktacular Foodie Market hosted by Dine-LI at Social Play Haus, the region’s newest venue, all to benefit three local nonprofit organizations: Michael Magro Foundation, Hair We Share, and Kids Need More.
All three charities help those coping with childhood cancer with an array of services. More than 30 local vendors were on hand to serve delicious products, ranging from artisanal breads, baked goods, and juices to empanadas, honeys, dog treats, and more. The event featured raffles, entertainment, and information on these important nonprofit organizations. All proceeds are being divided between the beneficiary nonprofits, all of which experienced fundraising impacts and increased need during the pandemic.
Dine-LI, a Facebook community that started in July 2019, has a mission of aiding the restaurant, hospitality, and food & beverage industry by bringing together consumers and owners under one platform. The brainchild of Alyssa Guidice, Dine-LI strongly believe every positive review helps a place stay in business one more day. The volunteer-based group operates not to make a profit but, rather, to help this industry that has suffered greatly due to the effects of the pandemic closures. Dine-LI has signed on more than 30,000 members in its short 19 months of operation. For more information on Dine-LI, visit facebook.com/groups/dineli.
KiDS NEED M♥RE is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, families & young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness. For additional information please visit kidsneedmore.org.
Hair We Share makes custom designed wigs for medical hair loss using donated ponytails. To learn more about Hair We Share, visit: hairweshare.org.
Michael Magro Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Paul and Terrie Magro to honor the life of their son Michael, who passed away from leukemia at the age of 13. The foundation works with the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Langone Long Island Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Cancer Division, Cohen’s Children’s Hospital, and other regional pediatric specialty offices where treatment of chronic diseases is ongoing. The core programs offered are Life Essentials, helping families struggling financially during their child’s treatment with non-medical expenses; Project SOAR, providing support for childhood cancer patients, families, students and teachers when the patient returns to school following long illnesses; and Bonding With Baby, helping siblings of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) communicate and bond. The organization has expanded its work to include children’s hospitals in New York City and several areas throughout Florida, as well as in Texas and Oregon. For more information on the Michael Magro Foundation, visit michaelmagrofoundation.com or email tmagro@magrofoundation.com.
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