Tuesday’s Children today announced it will be hosting its annual Long Island fundraiser event titled “Unity in Community: A Local Tribute” on Tuesday, Sept. 24 to pay tribute to the community where it began 23 years ago.

This year Tuesday’s Children will honor the Church of Saint Mary, Manhasset for being a beacon of light within our community.

On the evening of Sept. 11, 2001, the Manhasset community sought refuge at the church.

Long Island was one of the most affected communities in our country following 9/11.

The Church of Saint Mary hosted funerals for victims of the attacks, and it was in the pews of the church that Tuesday’s Children founders had their earliest conversations about forming the organization.

This year’s event, following the anniversary of 9/11, highlights the significance of the local community that came together with local families to found Tuesday’s Children. Throughout the years, the organization has continued to thrive and to support families impacted by that day and as a result of military service in the years since.

Becky Rossman, Tuesday’s Children’s Chief Executive Officer, said she looks forward to meeting members of the community.

“I am excited to join the Tuesday’s Children community in paying tribute to all we have accomplished in the past 23 years, and highlighting the contributions of Saint Mary’s Church as a steadfast pillar in the local community,” Rossman said. “As Tuesday’s Children continues to grow, we know we can count on this generous community to support us in keeping the promise to serve those affected by 9/11 and continue to develop support for military families of the fallen across the country.”

The Unity in Community tribute event is meant to represent the entire Long Island community and grow the nonprofit’s reach, inviting all communities affected to join in supporting their mission.

The nonprofit asks all individuals, local businesses and corporations to partake in this year’s charity event to support Tuesday’s Children’s programming for 9/11 families and military families of the fallen at the fundraiser at Manhasset Bay Yacht Club in Port Washington from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

The cocktail reception format will include live music performed by the Jim Roberti Band and whiskey and cigar pairings throughout the evening provided by Mobile Cigar Lounge. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Exciting auction prizes are available for bidding.

Brian Leavey is the special guest speaker for the evening.

Leavey is a vital champion of Tuesday’s Children’s mission. He is the surviving son of FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, who was killed on Sept. 11. Leavey will be speaking about the impact of the organization and his service as a mentor to a Gold Star child.

Proceeds from the event support Tuesday’s Children’s continued mission to support families impacted by trauma and loss with mentorship, peer support, career resources, family engagements and community-building events.

Details, tickets and sponsorships available at www.tuesdayschildren.org/unity

For more information, contact Amanda Ferrando: amanda@tuesdayschildren.org, 516-726-4435