Robbie Donno has been a face in the Manhasset community for decades, starting with humble beginnings as a local garbageman.
But his reach has grown well beyond his local community to include much of the world through his efforts with his organization, Gift of Life, which saves the lives of 5,000 children every year.
Donno’s chronicle from garbageman to global humanitarian is now being displayed on the big screen in an Emmy-nominated documentary “The Garbage Man, A Life Worth Winning,”
The film was led by Rich Poggioli, director of video services at LGC
Studios.
“Watching our mission come alive in this film is incredibly heartwarming,” Donno said. “It’s not only about the surgeries; it’s about transforming lives—both theirs and ours. It’s about healing families and restoring hope for those still waiting for our assistance. I am deeply grateful to LGC Studios for bringing our story to the screen.”
Donno founded Gift of Life International in 1975, a nonprofit organization started by Manhasset Rotarians that provides lifesaving heart surgery for children worldwide who otherwise would not have access to the necessary cardiac procedure.
The first child treated by the organization was Grace Agwaru, who was flown from her home country of Uganda to New York for lifesaving heart surgery.
In the nearly 50 years since its establishment, Gift of Life has expanded into a global initiative. The organization has established numerous pediatric cardiac programs in developing countries to aid their efforts in saving children’s lives, providing other options than flying children to the United States for surgeries.
In 2008, the organization treated its 10,000th child. Now, 13 years later, they are planning to treat their 50,000th child in September.
The film documents this journey, Donno’s leadership, and the Rotarians who supported it throughout. Poggioli, who is also a Rotarian, said he hoped to capture the scope and reach of the Rotarians’ efforts.
“This film was a labor of love and a tribute to the incredible legacy of Robbie Donno,” Poggioli said. “It is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world.”
“The Garbage Man, A Life Worth Winning,” will be screened at the Manhasset Cinema at 3 p.m. on Sept. 8. A celebration of life will also be held at the screening to honor the 50,000 children saved by the organization.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
