Herald Neighbors

Dinner-dance pays tribute to Island Park veterans

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The Island Park Civic Association recognized local veterans and donated to Building Homes for Heroes at its 10th annual Love Your Troops Valentine’s dinner-dance fundraiser on Saturday.

This year, the event honored Island Park veterans Judy Schnall (U.S. Air Force), Patrick Martin (U.S. Navy) and Christopher Springer (U.S. Marines). The evening also served as a fundraiser for Building Homes for Heroes, a Valley Stream-based organization founded by Island Park native and CEO Andrew Pujol. The organization donates mortgage-free homes to support wounded veterans.

“We’re so extremely grateful for the Island Park community,” said Kimberly Vesey, of Building Homes for Heroes, who attended the dinner. “Having them honor and support us in this way and help us give back to veterans is amazing.”

About 200 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, music and dancing, door prizes and raffles at the Bridgeview Yacht Club.

“It’s a wonderful event,” said Patti Ambrosia, president of the Island Park Civic Association. “It’s nice to honor our vets, being that they fought for our country, and it brings our community together at least once a year.”