Tommy Brull Foundation adjusts to pandemic life

Running a non-profit organization amid the coronavirus pandemic requires some patience and creativity, as Martin Brull, Rockville Centre resident and president of the Tommy Brull Foundation, has found in recent months.

For the past 12 years, the foundation has helped support people with physical, mental and emotional challenges by funding local programs that cater to their needs. Brull formed it after his brother, Tommy, died in an accident in 1999.

Brull said that 2020 held high hopes for the Tommy Brull Foundation when the year began; however, coronavirus has slowed the group’s efforts and caused him to reevaluate the path forward.

“It’s been a downer,” Brull said. “But there are more acute situations right now. We have done some things, like continuing the [Tommy Brull Foundation Special Needs Surf Camp] on a smaller scale at Camp Anchor, so we’re able to get kids surfing, which we’re happy about.”

Several of the foundation’s events were canceled due to the pandemic, such as the Lady Bug Ball and Shine A Light concerts. These fundraisers help support several organizations and programs, such as Camp Anchor, Centre Stage, Challenger Baseball League and Hoops for All, among many others.

The foundation has also raised money for Mr. B’s Playground, a space planned to be built outside the John A. Anderson Recreation Center that will be accessible to children of all abilities. It is to be named after longtime Recreation Superintendent Anthony Brunetta, known as Mr. B, who died in 2016. Earlier this year, plans were being finalized for construction of the playground, but it is now delayed.

Brull noted that many of the organizations supported by the foundation are small, so they may need funds now more than ever. At the same time, it is difficult to reach out to small businesses for items to raffle or donations at this time because they are struggling, as well.

On Aug. 5, the Tommy Brull Foundation hosted a virtual bingo fundraiser and raised more than $2,700 for the Anchor Program Fund, which funds trips and activities at Camp Anchor, Town of Hempstead’s year-round recreation program for children and adults with special needs.

This November would be the Tommy Brull’s Foundation’s annual fundraiser — but Brull says he is still unsure of how he will hold it, whether in-person with social distancing or as a virtual fundraiser.

“We don't really know what the future brings as far as larger gatherings, and that’s how we operate,” he said. “I’ll have to revamp everything and come up with other creative ways to raise money.”

Brul said he’s thinking of ways to raise money online, as well as ways to help members of the special needs community who reside in group home facilities and have struggled during the pandemic, not being allowed visitors and living under more restricted conditions.

“It’s just a tough time right now,” he said. “No one has experienced anything like this, and it’s difficult to know what is the right thing to do. We’re concerned with everyone's safety, and we’ll be airing on the side of caution.”