Remembering Mark by making a difference

Members of the Dejak family and friends at the memorial picnic included David Celis Garcia, Diane Petroccione, Madelyn Dejak, Hayden Dejak, Keri Dejak, Greg Dejak, Adam Dejak, Alison Dejak, Jeanne Dejak, Ernest Dejak

Sean Lynch and Theresa Lynch played a game at Mason Beach.

The 6th annual Mark Dejak Memorial Picnic, held on Sat. Sept. 19 at Mason Beach in Island Park, was a huge success for the Making-A-Difference Foundation. Mark’s photo in displayed on the table.

The 6th annual Mark Dejak Memorial Picnic, held on Sat. Sept. 19 at Mason Beach in Island Park, was a huge success for the Making-A-Difference Foundation. Mark’s photo in displayed on the table.

Madelyn Dejak and friends played together at the event.

Julie Patterson looked over the raffle baskets.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

It should come as no surprise that the 6th annual Mark Dejak Memorial Picnic, held on Sat. Sept. 19 at Mason Beach in Island Park, was a huge success for the Making-A-Difference Foundation.

The Making A Difference Foundation was established to commemorate the life of Mark Dejak. In his short 21 years, Mark touched the lives of countless people and was always willing to help others. In his passing, the Making A Difference Foundation was created to continue Mark’s mission to support and provide assistance to those in our society who most need it.

This year’s picnic marked a return to Masone Beach after transferring the fundraiser to a rain location in 2014. The Dejak family couldn’t have been happier with the incredible weather and carloads of people who turned out for the event.

Approximately 210 adults attended, along with their children, breaking previous records and raising close to $20,000. 

Contributing to this success was the generosity of many individuals, local businesses and companies who generously donated items to our extensive raffle. Raffle items included restaurant gift certificates, Major League Baseball tickets, a 46-inch flat screen TV, vacation packages, Broadway tickets, and much more!

All funds raised go to benefit the Making-A-Difference Foundation and their effort to support those in need.  The Making A Difference Foundation has continued their effort through donations to families  and individuals facing economic hardship, creating scholarships, and supporting other worthy causes .If you are interested in making a donation to the Making A Difference Foundation, send checks payable to “Making A Difference Foundation” to 46 Garfield Place, East Rockaway, NY 11518 c/o the Dejak Family.

For more information and to see photos from the 2015 Mark Dejak Memorial Picnic fundraiser, please visit the Making A Difference Foundation website at www.making-a-difference.org.