Long Island Elite, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of local Long Island business professionals and emerging regional leaders, will host its “Stars and Stripes” Gala for their 2023 charity partner, Paws of War.
The gala will take place on Thursday, October 26 at Oheka Castle. The LIE Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, raising tens of thousands of dollars for their charity partner.
This year’s gala honorees, Steven A. Castleton (Veteran Advocate of the Year), Thomas Joy (First Responder of the Year) and Amrish Dias (Contemporary of the Year) were introduced to over 150 guests and supporters at the LIE Meet the Honorees Night held on Aug. 16.
This event brought together members of the veteran, armed forces and first responder community with elected officials and community stakeholders, to raise awareness and funds for Paws of War through the Stars & Stripes Gala.
“Long Island Elite has embraced our organization and our mission. Since being selected as the charity partner for 2023, their members have promoted our mission, volunteered at events and raised funds. This important work, as well as the proceeds from the gala, will change and save the lives of veterans and first responders as well as many dogs. The Gala will allow us to celebrate and support our heroes who must never be forgotten,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War.
“Our members are committed to raising funds and awareness for Paws of War and making this Gala a memorable event. As a Marine Corps veteran, I know the struggles that many veterans have with returning to civilian life.
For some, a service or companion animal is a vital component of leading a stable and fulfilling life. The cost and process of getting and maintaining a service dog is a barrier. When Paws of War steps in, the veteran or first responder is relieved of the red tape and cost and is left to focus on living healthy. We encourage the Long Island community to support Paws of War by taking part in our Gala as a sponsor or guest,” said Frank Morizio, Jr., Long Island Elite President.
To purchase tickets, sponsorships or donations, please visit, https://www.liegala.org/sponsorship.
The funds raised by Long Island Elite in 2023 will give Paws of War resources to further its mission of “helping both ends of the leash” by providing services to veterans, first responders and their service or companion animals.
For over 20 years, Long Island Elite has supported over 80 not-for-profits and the organization has raised over $2 million. Past charity partners have included United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island, ACLD, SIBSPlace, The Safe Center LI, New Ground and Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center.
For information on how to support the Long Island Elite and Paws of War, visit www.longislandelite.com, www.pawsofwar.org or e-mail info@longislandelite.com.