FOR OFFICIAL RELEASE | JULY 6, 2017
With picture-perfect weather on June 26, the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center hosted its 24th annual Golf Classic, with golfers teeing off on the nationally-recognized A.W. Tillinghast course at the Sands Point Golf Club. At dinner that evening, the event's honoree, Bob O'Kane, Vice President of Vanguard Coverage, was recognized for his many years of supporting Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center and for his tireless efforts toward the tremendous success of this year's golf outing.
Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is extremely grateful for the significant funds raised from the event, nearly $220,000, which will help support the organization's mission of helping to improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their caregivers. For almost three decades, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center has been providing families affected by this disease, the information, support and unique programs and services to help them cope.
Not only has O'Kane supported Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center by playing in the golf outing for years; with personal experience of his late mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis, he understands how important the need for Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's programs and services is. "The disease is difficult on families and caregivers. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's programs for caregivers is just as important. This honor is just a great opportunity for me to step up and help the organization," he said in his brief acceptance remarks.
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death across all ages in the United States. It afflicts some 5.4 million Americans, nearly 50,000 of whom live on Long Island. With an expected rise in the number of Alzheimer's diagnoses in people 65 and older projected at 13.8 million, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's growth and outreach will be needed more than ever. In fact, to better serve more families, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center relocated earlier this year from its long-time Port Washington headquarters, to a more centrally-located, state-of-the-art facility in Westbury.
Tori Cohen, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's Executive Director, reflected on the relocation, saying, "This has been an exciting year for Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center. At the end of January, after 29 years in Port Washington, we moved our headquarters to Westbury. This move has enabled us to reach more families living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Our hands-on programs continue to run and we are always working towards expanding our services. Thanks to your generosity here tonight, we will be able to continue growing these critically needed programs throughout Long Island."
Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center Board Member, Paul Eibeler, added, "Whatever you give to Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, you get back 150 times. I encourage everyone to visit the new facility and see where every dollar goes."
Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center extends heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and supporters, including this year's Presenting Sponsor, Long Island Elite, an organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of Long Island's business professionals. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is honored to be selected as the Long Island Elite's 2017 Charity Partner. We are thankful for the following additional sponsors: Double Eagle Sponsor: Almar Heating & Plumbing; Cardoza Plumbing; Paul and Mary Eibeler; Hess Associates, LLC; Medco Plumbing; Vanguard Coverage. Eagle Sponsor: Albanese Organization; Hugh O'Kane Electric; Independent Temperature Control Services, Inc.; Thomas J. Killeen, Esq.; Liberty Mutual Surety. Hole-in-One Sponsor: Rocon Plumbing & Heating, Corp.; The Execu/Search Group. Golf Cart Sponsor: Crum & Foster; Long Island Elite. Putting Green Sponsor: Crum & Foster. Driving Range Sponsor: Michael F. Puntillo; Outsourced Ad Ops. Patio Barbeque Sponsor: Castagna Realty; The O'Kane Family Bob, Gerrie, Erin and Brendan; numerous tee sign and pin flag contributions and general donations.
We also appreciate the support from Golf Pro Distributors and our auctioneer for the event, Leer Leary. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center would like to recognize the efforts of those who helped the day run smoothly, including, the Sands Point Golf Club staff, our golf committee, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center staff, dedicated volunteers, and finally, the Board of Trustees for their continual support.
Caption: Golf Classic Honoree, Bob O'Kane (in plaid jacket), welcomed a photo op with several Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center members, including (from left), board members, Todd Hesekiel,
Brian Emmert, Kevin Dwyer, Executive Director Tori Cohen, board member, Paul Eibeler and Board Chair, Tom Killeen, Esq.
For more information about the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, please contact Jenna Caroccia, Director of External Affairs at jcaroccia@liaf.org or (516) 767-6856 ext. 28. To schedule an intake, please contact Melissa Katz, Director of Early Stage/In-Home Respite at mkatz@liaf.org or call (516) 767-6856 ext. 14.
For 29 years, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center has been providing supportive community-based services to Alzheimer’s families on Long Island. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center offers critically needed social adult day programs for individuals facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center takes considerable pride in its pioneering role in the development of cutting edge services that foster the independence, dignity, well-being and safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s. For information call (516) 767-6856 or visit www.lidementia.org