Our sponsored service dog, Strata, had the opportunity to represent America’s VetDogs at the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox) game this weekend. Strata joined other service dogs in training, program graduates, and working service dogs for this memorable event.

As part of the Woofster’s WonderDogs initiative, the Red Sox minor league affiliate honored America’s VetDogs and recognized one of its local veteran program graduates. The event also celebrated several dedicated puppy raisers who help prepare future service dogs for their partnerships.

We are proud of Strata for representing both the Strata Foundation and America’s VetDogs. Through this experience, Strata helped raise awareness of the important role service dogs play in the lives of veterans.

We are honored to share a heartfelt message from one of the families supported through our foundation. Their words reflect the impact of our donors’ generosity, offering time, relief, and moments of peace during some of life’s most difficult journeys.

Dear Julie,

I am writing to share my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible generosity that has been extended to our family during one of the most difficult chapters of our lives.

My husband has been courageously battling cancer for the past nine years and is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy for stage 4 colon cancer. As you can imagine, this long journey has been physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. With two school-aged children at home and a full-time job to maintain, balancing daily responsibilities alongside his care has been a constant challenge.

During this time, the support we’ve received—particularly through the DoorDash assistance—has made a meaningful and immediate impact on our lives. What may seem like a simple gesture has, in reality, lifted an enormous burden. Having meals taken care of has allowed us to focus on what matters most: being present for each other, supporting my husband through treatment, and maintaining a sense of normalcy for our children.

Your generosity has provided more than just food—it has given us time, relief, and moments of peace in the midst of uncertainty. It has allowed our family to gather around the table without the added stress of planning, shopping, and cooking after long, exhausting days.

To those considering supporting this foundation, please know that your contributions truly change lives. They reach families like ours in very real, tangible ways, offering comfort and stability when it is needed most.”

— E.K., Suffolk County, NY

Every story like this is made possible through the support of our donors, partners, and community. We are deeply grateful for your continued support in helping families when they need it most.

Meet a Navy veteran and mother who came to us when she had nowhere else to turn. During the cold winter months, she was struggling to keep the heat on for her family while balancing the everyday challenges of raising two young children. We connected her with resources that provided stability and much-needed breathing room during a difficult time.

Our foundation delivered laptops so her two elementary schoolers can continue learning and complete their studies from home. It’s more than just a computer. It’s a tool that will help them stay connected, succeed in school, and build a brighter future.

Every family has a story. The Strata Foundation is committed to supporting Long Island veterans and their families when life’s most challenging moments arise providing help and resources when they need them most.

The Strata Foundation’s 2026 Golf Outing was tremendous success, bringing together supporters for a memorable day at St. George’s Golf & Country Club. Participants enjoyed a scenic round of golf followed by an evening cocktail reception, with perfect weather and the welcome presence of volunteers from America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation throughout the course.

The reception highlighted the impact of the event’s mission. Attendees heard a moving testimonial from a veteran who shared how a service dog transformed his life, offering renewed purpose. Honorees Donna and Gus Lugten also spoke, sharing the heartfelt story behind their 2025 dog naming and encouraging others to take part in this meaningful sponsorship.

All proceeds from the outing will support America’s VetDogs’ new puppy raising center in Smithtown, NY, helping to provide life-changing service dogs to veterans and first responders.

Founder Joe Campolo reflected on the significance of this year’s cause, stating, “As our nation celebrates its 250 anniversary, we are focused on honoring our veterans, the men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting our safety and freedom. Their service allows us to enjoy our liberty and spend time with the people we love, and we are proud to support organizations that make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

A Message From Executive Director Julie Alberti

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being with us last night.

I’ve been at a loss for words since leaving St. George’s, which, if you know me, is saying something. Last night was that powerful, and that moving.

A special thank you to the veterans, volunteers, and graduates who brought their incredible dogs. To our veterans especially, thank you for your service. Watching those teams work together reminded every person in that room why this mission exists and how much it matters.

Retired US Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans moved every single person in that room last night. She spoke with a courage and honesty that you rarely witness, and her story was as personal as it gets. She reminded us what service really looks like, what sacrifice costs, and what the right support at the right moment can mean to someone’s entire life.

That is the heart of everything we do at the Strata Foundation, and last night made clear just how much more there is to do together.

As Joe Campolo announced, every dollar raised through our foundation this year will go directly to the capital campaign for the new America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation headquarters and puppy raising facility in Smithtown. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to help build something lasting, right here in our own backyard, that will serve veterans and first responders for generations to come. The Strata Foundation is committed to making a significant contribution to this legacy project, and every dollar entrusted to us this year brings us closer to that goal.

We would love nothing more than to have you with us on June 1st at St. George’s for our Golf Outing. If golf isn’t your game, come for the reception and be part of the energy of the day. And if you aren’t able to join us in person, I would love to connect with you personally about how you can be part of this work. Please don’t hesitate to reach out directly. This is too important a moment to sit on the sidelines.

These men and women served for all of us. Now it’s our turn.

With deep gratitude,

Julie Alberti

The Strata Foundation’s mission is to bring the Long Island business community together to support local veterans during life’s most challenging moments.

Recently, a member of our community referred a Navy veteran to us for help. Her utilities were about to be shut off during the cold winter months, and she feared her children would be left without heat. She had already reached out to other organizations and had been denied assistance at least twice. With nowhere else to turn, she reached out to our partners at Family Service League and we connected.

Within days, we mobilized our network. In less than a week, her application for Suffolk County Veterans Emergency Home Heating Program assistance was approved, and the county paid her heating bill in full.

After speaking with her and learning more about her family’s needs, we connected two additional organizations—one to provide support for her children, and another to help her access veteran benefits she did not know were available to her.

Our partners across the community answered the call. We worked the network, and together we delivered results.

Veterans served this country. They deserve a system that works for them when they return home. On Long Island, we are building that system—one family at a time. This week, we proved it works.

Every dollar we raise helps ensure we can answer the next call.

This morning was truly special. The Strata Foundation with the combined effort of our partners, Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, Strata Alliance, and Sasserath & Co., came together at the Stony Brook Veterans Home to serve breakfast and share time with the veterans who have given so much to our nation.

Between smiles, handshakes, and heartfelt conversations, we heard stories that reminded us of the strength, courage, and humanity behind every uniform. One veteran in particular moved us with his story about how music has guided him since the age of five. With pride in his eyes, he invited us to his upcoming performance, where he’ll be playing the saxophone alongside other talented veterans.

Julie Alberti, Strata Foundation Executive Director, remarked, “Moments like this are exactly why I do what I do. Leading this outreach through the Strata Foundation was a privilege, and I’m incredibly grateful to our partners and team for showing up with open hearts. Our veterans deserve more than just our thanks — they deserve our time, attention, and continued support.”

We left feeling inspired and deeply grateful, and we look forward to returning to support them again.

This Thanksgiving, Executive Director Julie Alberti got to deliver a little community magic as the Strata Foundation supported a wonderful veteran family. We provided them with grocery gift cards, essentials, and when their oven quit on them, we teamed up with St. George’s Golf and Country Club to make sure they had a Thanksgiving feast.

I’m so grateful for our generous donors and partners who help us turn challenges into heartfelt moments. Wishing everyone a warm, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!

Dear Valued Donors and Supporters,

As we continue to grow and evolve our mission of service and community impact, I’m excited to share an important update about our organization’s future.

Effective immediately, CMM Cares is officially becoming the Strata Foundation, aligning our charitable foundation with our family office name and creating a unified identity that better reflects who we are and where we’re headed.

This isn’t just a name change – it’s a symbol of our commitment to building something stronger, more integrated, and more impactful. Just as geological strata represent layers of foundation built over time, we’re building upon the solid groundwork you’ve helped us establish to create an even more robust platform for giving and community support.

Our mission remains unchanged: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Our values remain the same. Your partnership and support continue to be the cornerstone of everything we do. The only thing that’s changing is our name, which now proudly reflects the Strata family legacy of service and stewardship.

And yes, our timing couldn’t be more perfect – our adorable mascot Strata the puppy is already leading the way! It seems he knew what he was doing when he chose that name. 🐾

All future communications, donation processing, and foundation activities will operate under the Strata Foundation name. We’ll be updating our materials and systems over the coming weeks, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions during this transition.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and belief in our mission. Together, we’re building something that will create positive change for generations to come.

With deep appreciation and excitement for what’s ahead,

Julie Alberti
Executive Director, Strata Cares Foundation
(Formerly CMM Cares)

P.S. – Strata the puppy sends his tail wags and approval of the name alignment! We’ll continue sharing his training updates as he represents our foundation values in the most adorable way possible.