Nesconset, NY – April 22, 2025 – The Long Island Elite (LIE), a dynamic, non-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering the development of business and philanthropic communities, recently presented a new, custom-branded 2023 Mercedes Sprinter to Paws of War. The van can hold up to 14 first responders or veterans and their service animals. The van is branded with the LIE’s new logo and images of local veterans and first responders and service animals.
Every year the Long Island Elite hosts a gala event, with the 2023 gala theme being “Stars and Stripes” which supported Paws of War. The event and year-long activities netted $125,000, and these critical funds supported the purchase of the van that will be used by Paws of War for years to come.
The LIE-branded Paws of War van will ensure reliable transportation as part of life-saving activities and animal rescue operations. It will also be used to bring veterans, first responders and service animals to appointments for support services as well as events. This donation underscores LIE’s ongoing dedication to supporting local heroes and championing Paws of War’s mission of “helping at both ends of the leash.”
“As a Marine Corps veteran, I know firsthand the challenges our heroes face every day,” said Frank Morizio, Jr., Past President of Long Island Elite. “The donation of the van was our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our veterans and first responders. Our collaboration with Paws of War allowed us to make an impact on the lives of local Long Island veterans and first responders, ensuring they get the support they deserve.”
The addition of the transport van is expected to significantly enhance accessibility for 10 to 15 veterans at a time who rely on service animals for emotional and physical well-being. The presence of a strong support system – including companion dogs – has been shown to increase life expectancy and improve mental health for those who have served their country and communities.
“Long Island Elite continues to be an invaluable partner,” said Robert Misseri, Co-Founder of Paws of War. “Their generosity, hands-on involvement, and fundraising efforts have made a lasting difference in the lives of the veterans and first responders we serve. The transport van is a crucial asset in ensuring our heroes can participate in essential activities that foster healing, connection and well-being. Access to this care and support is truly saving lives of veterans and first responders impacted by PTSD. It will also allow us to transport animals we rescue to our facility.”
The LIE has proudly supported more than 80 non-profits over two decades and donated over $1.2 million as part of its continuing legacy of philanthropy.
For information on how to support the Long Island Elite and Paws of War, visit www.longislandelite.com and www.pawsofwar.org.
About Long Island Elite
Long Island Elite exists to provide passionate professionals a platform to forge meaningful relationships while strategically impacting local charities with fundraising and service. The Long Island Elite, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering the development of Long Island’s business and philanthropic communities. Since 2002, the Long Island Elite exists to provide passionate professionals a platform to forge meaningful relationships to strategically impact local charities with fundraising and service. It strives to make a difference on Long Island by bettering the community around them. To learn more visit www.longislandelite.com and email info@longislandelite.com.
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides assistance and a wide range of programs to active, retired and disabled military members. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or to make a donation, visit its site at: www.pawsofwar.org.
