Suffolk Federal’s Senior Vice President of Information Technology and extreme distance marathon runner Eva Casale heightened awareness and raised over $30,000 in support of veterans. Eva completed seven marathons, with extra stops amounting to more than 192 miles, over the course of seven days. Each day’s marathon focused on honoring local servicemen killed in action and was linked to the communities they called home. In total, the team made more than 139 stops and delivered over 300 flowers at Points of Honor throughout Long Island. The Team ended this year’s journey at the Copiague Fire Department.
“This was a heartfelt running tour of over 192 miles which enabled me to utilize my passion for running to bring Long Islanders together to support programs and services for veterans and to acknowledge how much ‘Every Veteran is Appreciated,’” explained Casale. “We were excited that our journey concluded in May during National Military Appreciation Month to further support the mission of honoring and acknowledging those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and to ensure that we never forget.”
Suffolk Federal once again supported Eva’s mission by serving as lead sponsor, a commitment which further strengthens the Suffolk Federal mission to support Long Island’s residents and local veterans. During the Closing Ceremony, Suffolk Federal presented Eva with a check for $15,000 and officially announced that the Suffolk Federal branches raised an additional $4,700. “It is an honor to support Eva with her efforts to raise funds and awareness for the brave men and women who have served our country and have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom. At Suffolk Federal, we feel that it is our responsibility to show the same dedication and commitment to our veterans and their families that they have shown to serving our country,” explained Ralph D. Spencer Jr., Suffolk Federal’s President & CEO who is also a United States Air Force Veteran.
The Copiague Community provided an enthusiastic warm welcome to the end of a special journey for the Team. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone ran with the Team as they made their way towards Copiague and there was no shortage of excitement as Team EVA crossed the finish line in front of the Copiague Fire Department. The fire department led by the Fire Department including Danny Broyles, 3rd Assistant Chief, and Dominick Nuzzi, 1st Assistant Chief, raised their American Flag to mark the end of the 7-day journey and provided their venue for a very touching Closing Ceremony. The Copiague Chamber of Commerce made sure that the Town was lined with American Flags and bows. The streets were lined with the Suffolk County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band as well as community members and dignitaries including Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature DuWayne Gregory, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Councilwoman Jacqueline A. Gordon (Retired Lt Col, US Army) and Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney. Brian Alvarado, a member of the Copiague Track Team even caught up the Team and ran with them through Copiague. Several car groups comprised of elite custom cars met Eva and the Team towards the end of her journey to lead the team home in style. During the program, America’s Got Talent Christian Guardino sang the National Anthem. The Copiague Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Columbus provided Eva with a generous donations and VFW Member John Farino presented the Team with a certificate from the Post. The program concluded with Sunrisers Buglers Marvin Lopez and Rob Picard playing taps to remember the fallen. “We were so honored when we heard that Eva and her Team had selected our Copiague community to end their incredible running journey, explained Copiague Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Fattoruso. “It is so important to remember and to acknowledge our veterans and the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom and we could think of no better way than to embrace Team EVA on their final day and to ensure ‘Every Veteran is Appreciated.’”
Proceeds from this year’s event once again went to Hope for the Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope to service members, their families, and families of the fallen.
About Suffolk Federal
Suffolk Federal is a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution chartered in 1967 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and is owned and operated by its members. The volunteer-directed credit union has assets in excess of $1 billion, 10 branch locations and more than 60,000 members. Suffolk Federal offers all members incredible benefits like free checking, free online banking, low interest rates on home and auto loans and much more. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or regularly conducts business in Suffolk County, NY as well as immediate family members of current membership. To learn more, visit www.suffolkfcu.org, call 631.924.8000 or visit any Suffolk Federal branch today.
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Suffolk Federal’s Ultra-Marathon Runner Eva Casale Once Again Raises Over $30,000 for Veterans After Running 7 Marathons in 7 Days (more than 192 miles)
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