FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2024
Contact: Justin Jaycon
Justin.Jaycon@chsli.org
(631) 376-4104
Long Island, NY – Long Island Elite (LIE), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of local Long Island business professionals and emerging regional leaders, hosted its “Havana Nights” Gala in support of its 2024 charity partner, Eden II Programs. The Gala took place on Thursday, October 24 at Oheka Castle. The LIE Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, regularly raising more than $100k for its charity partner.
This year’s Gala honorees, Anthony Parziale (Entrepreneur of the Year) and Steve Kirschbaum (Contemporary of the Year) were introduced to the more than 350 guests and supporters in attendance. This event brought together members and business leaders from various Long Island industries to celebrate the LIE, and to raise awareness and funds for Eden II Programs.
“Everyone should have a purpose in their life,” said Dr. Mary McDonald, President of Eden II Programs. “Many of the individuals we serve will not go to college and will have great difficulty gaining competitive employment, but we can help them find their life’s purpose. That is why we have created a space for our participants to truly find their life’s purpose and we are grateful for this partnership and the impact the Long Island Elite will make.”
“Our members are committed to raising funds and awareness for Eden II Programs and making this Gala a memorable event,” said Long Island Elite President Benjamin Cooper. “Many in the LIE know of and care about families, some even within our membership, that have children or adults with various special needs and fully understand the mission and amazing accomplishments of Eden II Programs. We are proud to help provide assistance to this incredible organization and encourage the Long Island community to continue to support them in their future activities.
Since 1995, Eden II’s Long Island-based Genesis Programs has provided specialized services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across their lifespan. They offer both center-based and community-based programs to help participants achieve the highest possible quality of life, using research-based teaching methods based on applied behavior analysis (ABA). The mission of Eden II Programs is to support people with autism throughout their lives to achieve their full potential through service, science, and passion.
For more information on Long Island Elite or to become a member, visit www.longislandelite.com.
About Long Island Elite
Founded in 2002, we are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of local business professionals, and emerging regional leaders. Our members are leaders in Long Island’s business and non-for-profit sectors who believe in the philosophy of standing together to support each other’s careers, and helping those who are less fortunate. Together, Long Island Elite leverages our members’ unique strengths to advance our mission of helping to lead the way in supporting charities and business. Long Island Elite has supported over 80 not-for-profits and the organization has donated more than $1 million. Past charity partners have included UCP of LI, ACLD, SIBSPlace, The Safe Center LI, Long Island Reach, New Ground and Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center.