Mineola, NY (July 19, 2023) – The American Red Cross on Long Island will celebrate its 106th year of service to Long Island and recognize heroes from the community who embody the spirit of the organization during its annual Long Island Heroes Celebration on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
Co-chaired by Laura Curran, Alexis Morledge, and Erin King Sweeney, the Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island. The event will honor local heroes and First Quality Enterprises, LLC and its affiliates of Great Neck, NY, will receive the 2023 Corporate Leadership Award.
“Thank you to all who support the critical work of the Red Cross across Long Island. Whether Americans give of their time, talent, or treasure, their commitment to helping one another is an inspiration, and the community and civic partners we will honor at our Celebration embody the best of this spirit,” said Jose Dominguez, CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island.
“We are excited to chair the Heroes Celebration and appreciate the dedication of our committee members, who have pledged to create a special event that recognizes the heroes among us on Long Island and supports the lifesaving work of this volunteer-powered organization,” said co-chairs Curran, Morledge and King Sweeney.
The Heroes Celebration committee members are Anthony Acampora; Elaine Biller; Craig Burdett; Elisa DiStefano; Rita DiStefano; Ali Jabbour; Andrea Kantor; Greg Lavine; Mirna Eusebio Lithgow; Alissa Marti; Lee Mueller; Julia Pecora; Kate Polley; Jim Quent; Linda Sun; Stacey Sweet; Matt Thompson; Nina Waechter and Alex Whelehan.
Proceeds raised during the Long Island Heroes Celebration will enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, fires and countless other crises.
The event will feature inspiring stories, fine wine and food and a silent auction that will showcase unique items and experiences. For additional details, to become an event sponsor, purchase a ticket or donate to the Red Cross, please visit https://liheroes.givesmart.com
Sponsors of the 2023 Heroes Celebration include National Grid; New York Cancer & Blood Specialists; PSEG Long Island; SilvermanAcampora LLP.
About the American Red Cross on Long Island
Initially founded to address the humanitarian needs of World War I, the last 106 years has seen the Long Island Red Cross provide compassionate relief in an ever-changing world with new challenges. Significant responses include the Great New England Hurricane (aka The Long Island Express) of 1938; the 1995 Pine Barrens fire; the 1996 TWA flight 800; the attacks of 9/11; Hurricane Irene in 2011; and Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Today on Long Island, a Red Cross team of more than 800 volunteers responds to over 200 incidents a year. The Long Island Red Cross works tirelessly to build resilient and strong communities by installing thousands of free smoke alarms in at risk neighborhoods, teaching water safety and first aid, empowering families with vital disaster preparedness skills, and providing unwavering support to Long Island service members and their families.
About the Corporate Leadership Honoree
First Quality Enterprises, LLC and its affiliates, a manufacturer of household paper, adult care, feminine care, and baby care products, has been a committed American Red Cross supporter since 2012, contributing to unprecedented disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey. They continue to be steadfast partners of the Red Cross, most recently supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Hurricane Ian in 2022.
About the Event Co-Chairs
Laura Curran served as Nassau County Executive from Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2021, representing more than 1.3 million residents. She directed a government of more than 7,500 employees, and created balanced budgets in excess of $3.3 billion, earning the County’s first bond upgrade in 15 years. As County Executive, Curran successfully advocated for new economic development and downtown revitalization across the County. And under Curran’s leadership, Nassau County was named the safest community in America by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. She led the County’s COVID-19 response to protect and inform residents, while maintaining essential County operations and advocating for businesses and schools. After eight years in county government (she served four years as county legislator before being elected executive), Curran has returned to her roots in journalism, hosting a current-events podcast and 77 WABC radio show, “Cut to the Chase with Laura Curran.”
Alexis Brashich Morledge is a born and raised New Yorker and a graduate of Trinity College. Alexis spent twenty years in educational leadership (fundraising at Trinity college; fundraising at The Nightingale Bamford School; fundraising and admissions at The Green Vale School) and has devoted countless hours to educational and cultural organizations as well (Convent of the Sacred Heart NYC; Trinity College; Chaminade High School; University of Pennsylvania; Chesterwood Museum; Mount Vernon Hotel & Museum). She has also participated in four different Junior League chapters. Alexis now works part-time in her husband LJ’s medical practice, allowing her time to “sink her teeth” into volunteer commitments.
Erin King Sweeney is an aviation lawyer with twenty years of experience and is with the Eckert Seamans law firm. She served as General Counsel, USA, for Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., and is President of King Sweeney Strategies LLC where she advises clients on business strategy in the transportation and security fields. For 5 years, Erin served as a Councilwoman in the Town of Hempstead, New York, where she was selected as Majority Leader. Erin has been successful in business and active in her community. She has served as a member of the Belmont Child Care Association's Advisory Board since 2017, is a board member of the Cradle of Aviation Museum. She has received numerous awards including being selected as a "Power Woman" by the Long Island Press, an Aviation Industry Woman of the Year by the Boys Scouts of Queens and an Outstanding Achiever by the Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women. Erin graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and is a graduate of Notre Dame Law School. Erin and her husband, John, have two children and three dogs.