MINEOLA, N.Y., May 29, 2008 — Over 200 guests helped raise $90,000 for the American Red Cross in Nassau County at the 2008 Red & White Dinner Dance at Westbury Manor, May 28. Besides raising much-needed funds, the event highlighted the importance of building partnerships by honoring the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council.

“It goes without saying that our area hospitals will have a large role to play in the aftermath of a catastrophic event on Long Island,” said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau Red Cross. “Over the past few years, the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council has made phenomenal strides in its plans for a comprehensive, coordinated response. It was a pleasure to acknowledge their efforts and hopefully it will encourage others to take stock in keeping Long Island prepared.”

The NSHC is a regional association that serves as an advocate for the 24 not-for-profit and public hospitals that comprise its membership. The council’s chief executive officer, Kevin Dahill, accepted the award on behalf of all the member hospitals.

To kickoff the evening, guests were treated to famed-tenor Michael Amante’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner during the presentation of the colors by U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Corps District, Garden City. The mistress of ceremonies was Carolyn Gusoff, co-anchor of NBC4’s “Weekend Today in New York.” The Emmy Award-winning reporter hails from Long Island and is no stranger to the effects of disaster, having covered the crashes of TWA Flight 800, American Airlines Flight 587 and Avianca Flight 52.

Throughout the night, guests were entertained by the band Alive N Kickin’ and had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets. The premiere sponsor for the event was Pall Corporation, regarded by many as a global leader in filtration technologies. Additional major sponsors included Cablevision, First Data, Weiser LLP, and the New York Islanders.

And though the event shattered last year’s numbers, Cassano said that the nonprofit still needs continued support from the community it serves.

“We have responded to a record number of local emergencies this year, which of course has put a dent in our budget,” he said. “Though we will never shortchange those who are in need of emergency assistance, we can’t do it alone and need all Long Islanders to become partners in preparedness.”

Over the past year, the Nassau Red Cross has responded to 130 local disasters—mainly house fires—and has provided $150,000 in direct relief, like food, shelter and clothing, to nearly 700 Nassau residents.

To learn more about the American Red Cross in Nassau County, call (516) 747-3500 or visit the chapter online at www.nassauredcross.org.

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