Tribute and Honor Foundation to honor vets

The Tribute and Honor Foundation, formerly known as the Phoenix Rising Committee, is gearing up for its highly anticipated third award ceremony and fundraising gala scheduled for Feb. 3. Eight distinguished awards will be presented that night.

In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, a Glen Cove resident and president of the organization, teamed up with Jeanine DiMenna, owner of the View Grill, in December 2021 to begin the foundation. Their mission was to alleviate some of the construction costs incurred after a devastating fire that left members of Glen Cove’s James E. Donohue Veterans of Foreign War Post 347 without a home in August 2021.

Within weeks, a dedicated committee of nine individuals was formed. Strategic meetings were held with the leadership of the VFW, culminating in plans for an event that would not only raise funds but also pay tribute to the city’s veterans.

Since its inception, the organization has successfully raised nearly $50,000 for the post. Moreover, it has expanded its mission to provide support to veterans and their families across Long Island.

Stevenson-Mathews, in a letter to be included in the foundation’s upcoming event journal, expressed gratitude to the local fire department, police, and EMS whose heroic response saved lives and the VFW Hall. He emphasized that the restoration of the building was a significant endeavor, serving as a gift to the community.

Acknowledging DiMenna’s pivotal role, Stevenson-Mathews credited her not only for providing meeting space but also for being a crucial sounding board during the organization’s formative stages. The first awards ceremony was held at DiMenna’s restaurant, marking a successful beginning for the foundation.

The overwhelming success of the inaugural event prompted the foundation to plan subsequent award ceremonies and engage in serious discussions about its future. Since then, the foundation has evolved into a robust entity with a dedicated board, liaison committee and passionate volunteers.

The foundation has forged partnerships with organizations like Team EVA and other veteran support groups to enhance the lives of veterans. It has sponsored programs such as the Glen Cove Library’s VetNOW Program, offering veterans free access to online tutoring, employment transition assistance and other valuable resources.

Under Stevenson-Mathews’ leadership, the foundation’s board includes key members like first vice president Connie Pinilla, Esq., second vice president Harold Bollaci, Esq., secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, treasurer Thomas Bunger, and board members Lydia Wen Rodgers and Mike Gadaleta. The Liaison Committee comprises individuals from various organizations, including Glen Cove Boy Scout Troop 6, Team E.V.A., Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Rolling Thunder Inc., Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14, VFW Post 347, and CEC Health Care (formerly the Charles Evans Center).

In a recent announcement, the foundation introduced the Ben Farnan Scholarship, named after the Korean War veteran and recipient of the 2022 Legacy Award. This scholarship will benefit graduating seniors entering the military or a military academy from Glen Cove, Locust Valley and North Shore High Schools. As the foundation prepares for its third gala, a portion of the proceeds will contribute to the Farnan Scholarship Fund, furthering its mission to honor and support veterans.

The gala is scheduled for Feb. 3, at the Crescent Beach Club, 333 Bayville Ave., Bayville, at 6 p.m. For information on the Tribute and Honor Foundation or to purchase tickets for the foundation’s upcoming gala visit PhoenixRisingAwards.com.