By Adina Genn, LIBN

When a U.S. veteran on Long Island needed support, several local nonprofits joined forces to help.

The organizations collaborated in an effort to assist AnnMarie Ayers, a veteran who had served in the U.S. Navy. After her military service, Ayers had struggled with not only cancer, but also military post-traumatic stress disorder and a layoff triggered by the pandemic.

CMM Cares, a Ronkonkoma-based nonprofit, was among the organizations ready to assist. Founded in 2019, the organization says it was built on the belief that by bringing the Long Island community together, it can make a “huge difference in the lives of its neighbors.” So when Ayers was nominated  for the CMM Care’s Adopted Family Program, the organization got took note.

Ayers was able to keep her family in their home through a mortgage remodification program she learned about from UnitedWay of Long Island. John Diaz, United Way’s director of community impact, guided Ayers’ through the process and then took that assistance a step further by nominating her for the CMM Cares program.

Members of CMM Cares developed a program that specifically addressed the challenges Ayers was facing.

“It’s incredible the impact we can make by working together, pooling our resources and combining our efforts as nonprofit and for profit organizations,” Joe Campolo, chairman of the board at CMM Cares, said in a statement.

“Individually nonprofits help many, together we can change lives,” he added. “We look forward continuing to help those in need, one Long Island family at a time.”

Each year CMM Cares supports three to four Long Island families in need. After hearing Ayers’ story, the organization was determined to further help her get back on her feet and make a lasting impact on her life.

CMM Cares approved a customized support plan designed to provide Ayers with both short-term and long-term assistance. In addition to purchasing immediate household necessities, the organization helped her create a long-term plan to pay down her debt and get ahold of her finances, which was a factor in her PTSD recovery.

CMM Cares then introduced Ayers to Lisa Gatti, CEO of Islandia-based Pal-O-Mine Equestrian.

Gatti welcomed Ayers into Pal-O-Mine’s military program, which includes equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. As an Eagala Designated Program, they have Eagala-certified professionals on site with specialized training and experience working with the military community.  Its onsite Eagala certified professionals who are specialized training and experience working with the military community. Through the program, Ayers spends time at the farm, building relationships with the horses to reduce anxiety and find peace from her military PTSD.

Ayers was also gifted a complete solar energy system donated by SUNation Energy’s not-for-profit SUNation Cares.

SUNation CEO Scott Maskin, who serves as a board member for CMM Cares, stepped in to help alleviate some of the Ayers’ monthly expenses. Once completed and connected, this renewable energy system is designed to aid Ayers and her family with lower monthly electricity bills and more control over their energy. Through the donation of 21 solar panels, along with equipment and labor for the installation, this solar energy system will generate approximately 5,344 watts of energy annually. This is estimated to offset about 74% of the Ayers home energy use and greatly reduce their monthly electricity costs, according to CMM Cares.

Also collaborating on supporting Ayers was Salvatore Ferro, a councilman at Town of Huntington.

Read the original article on LIBN.

To register or sign up for sponsorship opportunities contact Julie Alberti at julie@cmmcares.org.

CMM Cares would like to express our sincere gratitude for our sponsors’ generous support.

Collaborating with fellow nonprofits and business leaders is key for CMM Cares, a charitable foundation with a vision of making a difference in the lives of Long Island families. We’ve recently worked with the Guide Dog Foundation, a Smithtown-based national nonprofit organization that trains and places guide dogs for individuals who are blind, visually impaired or have other disabilities, to identify a career change dog that could be matched with one of our 2021 Adopted Families.

In 2021, CMM Cares supported three families including The Neikens and their son, Casey. Casey is a 13-year-old boy who was diagnosed shortly after birth with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a group of rare diseases that cause fragile, blistering skin. With our funds raised and the support of the business community, we were able to make significant changes to Casey’s life which were celebrated at our annual Wine & Dine Gala in September of last year.

After introducing John Miller, president, and CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation, to Casey’s father John Niekens, the Guide Dog Foundation was able to identify a career change black Labrador Retriever that has now been adopted into the Neikens family! The dog provides Casey with companionship in his everyday activities and allows Casey to enjoy the natural therapeutic support that comes with forming a close bond with a dog in the comfort of his own home.

“I want to thank CMM Cares for introducing us to John Miller and the Guide Dog Foundation,” Beth Neikens, mother of Casey, says. “Our dog is an absolute joy. Casey is such a different kid, so happy and so full of energy. She is the absolute perfect, sweetest little dog.”

“The Guide Dog Foundation is proud to work with a great partner like CMM Cares in placing this career change dog with the Neikens family,” said John Miller. “It is so impactful when local nonprofits can join forces on initiatives like this. We are eager to watch the bond grow between Casey and the pup and work with CMM Cares on future projects.”

“We are so thankful for the Guide Dog Foundation and their generous offering for the Neikens family,” says Victoria Tringone, Executive Director of CMM Cares. “By working together with organizations like the Guide Dog Foundation, we can compound our efforts and continue supporting our Adopted Families beyond our yearlong commitment.”

Following a successful year, we are pleased to share that we are able to support two families for 2022! Learn more about them and how you can get involved here.

On June 6th, 2022, CMM Cares hosted our annual Charity Golf Outing at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Setauket. Over 100 attendees and over 15 sponsors showed their support for our Adopted Family initiative, allowing us to increase the help we can provide for our families of this year. Sponsors and guests of the business community joined together to start the day with a BBQ, a massage, and a cigar before heading to the course for an 18-hole shamble. Later, guests enjoyed cocktails, a raw bar and delicious hor d’oeuvres outdoors while the venue buzzed with music by Rubber Soul. We ended the night with a delectable dinner and award ceremony to commemorate our 2022 Community Leader, Sal Ferro.

It was a fabulous day and evening and we are looking forward to the next one! Thank you to all of our incredibly generous sponsors, guests, and donors. Your contribution will go towards changing the lives of our neighbors.

For the event photo album, visit here.

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.