This time of the year is about gratitude and giving back to community members, friends in need, and local nonprofits. While we savor time spent with our family and friends, it’s hard not to think about those who are not fortunate enough to do so. Most of us wish we could absolve the burdens of all who are suffering from the snap of a finger. Since we can’t do that, we’ve got to do our best to try and make a difference in our communities and in the world. 

If you’re struggling to narrow down your search for places or people to give to, read below to learn about some incredible local nonprofit organizations on Long Island that can always use a helping hand.

Support Local Artists

In times of uncertainty like these, we seek relief in creativity and entertainment. The arts, including film, music, and theater, are how we make emotional connections and come together as a community. We are lucky enough to enjoy the presence of several local nonprofits that support artists in our community. Consider giving to these incredible Long Island nonprofit organizations:

1. The Staller Center for the Arts

A staple of Stony Brook University, the Staller Center for the Arts is where many talented artists get their foot in the door of the theater and music industries. Consider purchasing tickets to view award-winning films at the months-long Stony Brook Film Festival, or attending a world-class theater performance! 

2. East End Arts

East End Arts is known for the incredible opportunities that it provides to children and community members. From chemistry and math classes for children to songwriting workshops and college-prep help for teens, East End Arts is on a mission to “stimulate community enrichment, economic development, and cultural tourism” on Long Island. 

Donate to local nonprofit East End Arts to help them continue to enhance the creative minds of our community members!

Lend a Hand to Furry Friends

Give a voice to those who can’t speak! Donating to or volunteering time with a nonprofit organization that helps animals is a wonderful way to advocate for our furry friends who simply can’t advocate for themselves! Here are some local ideas:

3. The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind 

A well-known Long Island nonprofit, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. For decades, they have acted as a support system for the blind community, providing those who are visually impaired with trained seeing-eye dogs. Seeing-eye dogs allow those with visual impairments to achieve a greater quality of life, with more independence, safety, and comfort. Consider volunteering at fundraising events for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind!

4. America’s VetDogs 

Since 2003, this organization has been providing relief to veterans who suffer from physical limitations or disabilities. America’s VetDogs trains service dogs and pairs them with veterans in need, allowing them to have access to more independent mobility and companionship. In 2021, we partnered with America’s VetDogs in order to help give back to one of their service dogs and his human counterpart, Mr. Charles Berry.

Consider becoming a puppy raiser, or volunteering to give back to this wonderful nonprofit organization! 

Feed a Hungry Family

As we begin to plan our holiday feasts, we are reminded of our close neighbors who do not have the chance to do so. Contribute to a local nonprofit organization and be the reason that a family or a child gets fed this giving season.

5. Family Service League 

For nearly 100 years, Long Island nonprofit Family Service League has worked tirelessly to help families and individuals in need with a variety of programs and locations. Their efforts have helped homeless individuals and families seeking shelter, those who suffer from mental illnesses and addiction, senior citizens in need of companionship, and more. The Family Service League hosts numerous events throughout the year and is always looking for volunteers and donors.

Thanks to a nomination from the Family Service League, CMM Cares was able to change the lives of the Neikens family in 2021. We encourage you to show your support to this inspirational local nonprofit organization!

6. Island Harvest

Island Harvest, a food bank for Long Island, works to minimize food waste and eradicate hunger on Long Island. Their programs benefit children, seniors, families, and veterans. Volunteers from this local nonprofit hand-deliver millions of pounds of food to homeless shelters, homes, food pantries, and other local nonprofits each year. They even helped supply one of our Adopted Families with meals! 

Consider donating your canned goods, volunteering at fundraising events, or contributing as a sponsor to this Long Island nonprofit organization.

7. CMM Cares

This giving season, we are gearing up to make 2022 our biggest year yet. We hope to impact the lives of numerous families on Long Island through our Adopted Family initiative, and it is the support of donors, generous organizations, and local nonprofits like the ones mentioned above that allow us to fulfill this mission. 

Visit our Adopted Families page to learn more about who and how we have helped in the past, and consider donating, nominating a family, or becoming an ambassador to do your part! Every little bit helps.

On October 7th, 2021, CMM Cares hosted our annual Wine and Dine Benefit Gala at the elegant Flowerfield Celebrations in St. James. Over 100 attendees and more than 20 sponsors showed their support for our Adopted Family initiative, allowing us to raise funds to help even more families in 2022. Sponsors and their guests attended VIP Happy Hour, where they tasted and learned about some of Long Island’s best wines from a certified sommelier. Later, guests piled their plates with delectable cuisines from New Zealand, South Africa, and Chile. The large, floral dining room was buzzing with lively conversation between new and old acquaintances, and many guests took advantage of the crisp fall night and sipped their cocktails in front of Flowerfield’s outdoor fireplace. Thank you to all of our incredibly generous sponsors, guests, and donors. All contributions will go towards changing the lives of our Adopted Families.

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CMM Cares, Inc., a charitable foundation with a vision of making a difference in the lives of Long Island communities, is pleased to welcome Scott Maskin, CEO of SUNation Solar Systems, to its Board of Directors. Built on a goal of taking care of individuals and families facing unexpected challenges through its Adopted Family Initiative, CMM Cares brings joy to the lives of Long Islanders, one family at a time. Maskin’s addition to the CMM Cares Board will allow this initiative to expand and help more families in need.

Maskin founded SUNation Solar Systems in 2003 and currently serves as CEO, driving SUNation’s growth and branding through his hands-on approach to leadership. Prior to founding SUNation, Maskin traveled as an electrician and pyro-technician for large touring musical, theatrical and industrial tours. This enabled him to hone his organization and communication skills, allowing Maskin to complete a Master Electrician’s license and lay the foundation for future projects, including his love for solar and the founding of SUNation. Along with his mission of making the world a better place for his family and friends, Maskin shows his passion and dedication for his fellow Long Islanders through his involvement in various organizations and boards, bringing this level of commitment and service to his work on the CMM Cares Board.

As CMM Cares has grown in its mission to take care of Long Island families by providing life-changing solutions through fundraising efforts and support from partners, sponsors, and donors, we are pleased to welcome Scott Maskin to our growing Board of Directors. CMM Cares will continue to ease Long Island hardships through our focused efforts on our Adopted Family initiative and support of our Long Island neighbors.

CMM Cares, Inc., a 501(c)(3) and major supporter of veterans, children, and the arts on Long Island through fundraising, volunteering, and awareness campaigns, is pleased to welcome Peter J. Klein, CFA, CRPS, CAP, and Alan R. Sasserath, CPA, MS, to its Board of Directors. With the addition of two of Long Island’s most respected business leaders to its Board, CMM Cares is poised to make an even more significant impact in 2021 for the communities we serve.

Peter J. Klein is the Chief Investment Officer and Founder of ALINE Wealth. A published author with deep financial experience, Klein also brings considerable acumen in philanthropy, helping clients navigate family trusts, institutions, and nonprofits. He was named to the Forbes 2020 list of the Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in New York and his practice was named to WealthManagement Magazine’s first annual Thrive Awards list of fastest-growing financial advisors in 2019. Klein is very active in his community and is the recipient of numerous philanthropic and leadership awards. His focus on the nexus of wealth management and philanthropy will shape his service on the CMM Cares Board.

Alan R. Sasserath is a Managing Partner at Sasserath & Co., a premier firm providing accounting, tax, and financial management services to sophisticated businesses. He brings over 30 years of public accounting firm experience to his role with CMM Cares. With his strong background in accounting, tax, audit, and financial planning and his experience taking both Long Island and international businesses to the next level, Sasserath brings critical technical expertise to CMM Cares’ philanthropic efforts. 

As CMM Cares has grown from a handful of volunteers to a recognized nonprofit organization, we are pleased to grow our Board of Directors. CMM Cares will continue to bring the business community together for the greater good in 2021 and invest in initiatives that make a difference in the communities around us.

On November 18, 2019 CMM Cares was thrilled to receive the Corporate Leadership Award at Family Service League’s Great Chefs Gala in recognition of our support of our neighbors in need. Accepting the award on behalf of CMM Cares, Christine Malafi told a personal story of how she was inspired to join FSL’s board when she met a wounded veteran who relies on FSL’s food bank and had shared how much the organization meant to him. We also congratulate NYS Senator Phil Boyle, recipient of the Government Leadership Award, and we thank NYS Senator James Gaughran, who presented the firm with a Proclamation honoring our service to the community and New York State.

On October 21, CMM Cares hosted our inaugural Wine & Dine Benefit at the spectacular St. George’s Golf & Country Club to support the critical work of Family Service League. Friends, clients, and the business community came together to enjoy fine wines paired with luxury cheeses and chocolates during our VIP Hour and learned some of the secrets of wine pairings. As the sun went down, guests enjoyed live music over dinner featuring regional dishes from around the world, each expertly paired with their own wine, and many guests enjoyed the warm night out on the deck with a selection of hand-rolled cigars. Thank you to all our sponsors for your generous support, and to everyone who was able to join CMM Cares for this terrific event.

On July 30, 2019, CMM Cares hosted a bowling fundraiser benefiting Family Service League, an organization that supports families and children in need on Long Island. The business community came out in force to support the effort, as well as enjoy some quality time with their teams. Prizes were awarded to the best – and worst! – teams. Everyone enjoyed some networking, friendly competition, and had a great time as they bowled well after the event ended.

Thanks to the support of our sponsors, we were able to make a difference in the lives of our fellow Long Islanders.

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Early this month, our team spent time volunteering with children at Family Service League. We read a book to the children and helped them create a fun craft. The children were thrilled to spend some time with new people, and our time with them was very rewarding. CMM Cares has been collecting books to distribute to FSL’s preschool classrooms, and we’re proud to share that we collected more than 200 books!

In the fall we volunteered with America’s VetDogs, whose mission to restore independence and dignity to veterans touched us deeply. CMM Cares collected treats, toys, towels, cleaning supplies, and more to support these incredible service dogs and the brave individuals whose lives they change.