United Way of Long Island’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) hosted its highly anticipated Summer Social on August 7 at Blue Point Brewery, bringing together over 200 attendees for an evening of networking, entertainment, and community impact. The event successfully raised more than $20,000 and collected several boxes of school supplies to benefit United Way’s Stuff-A-Bus initiative, which provides backpacks and essential school supplies to elementary students across Long Island, ensuring they have the confidence they need to succeed.
Now in its 17th year, Stuff-A-Bus continues to ensure that children from underserved communities walk into the classroom prepared to learn and succeed. The funds raised from the Summer Social will directly support the purchase of supplies for the upcoming school year.
Hannah McCarthy, Assistant Principal at Laurel Park Elementary School in Brentwood, shared:
“The donations we’ve received through the Stuff-a-Bus initiative have made a profound impact on our school community. Each year, our teachers share supply lists with families, but we know that many students arrive with only a few items or sometimes none at all. Thanks to these donations, our staff can confidently ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed from day one.”
One moment that stands out in her memory involves a student living in a shelter who arrived at school carrying her supplies in her arms. When Hannah learned the child had lost her backpack and her family couldn’t replace it, the school was able to provide a brand-new one and in her favorite color.
The Summer Social was made possible thanks to the dedication of the YPN Co–Chairs: Justin Merk, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union; Lauren Grasso, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.; Brendan Bateman, Flushing Bank; the YPN committee; and the generosity of its sponsors. Attendees enjoyed craft brews, live entertainment, raffles, and meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow young professionals passionate about making a difference in their community.
Event Sponsors
Fourleaf Federal Credit Union
Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.
ATM Consultants
Bulovas Restorations
Spartan Restoration
Lucky To Live Here
Flushing Bank
Better Home Health Care
United Crafts Local 91
Clear View Building Services
Borg Insurance Agency & Associates
G-Rock Handcovers Inc.
SK Pool Care
For more information about United Way of Long Island’s Young Professionals Network and other initiatives, visit www.unitedwayli.org.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on three key building blocks: health, education, and financial stability. United Way invests in community partnerships to help our most vulnerable and at-risk residents through organizations and programs that grant equitable access to resources and services across the region. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.unitedwayli.org, call 2.1.1 or follow us on Facebook,LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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