Tuesday, June 24, 2025
The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade Committee celebrated the close of a successful season with its annual award ceremony, recognizing outstanding participants and officially presenting their charitable donations to the three organizations.
This year’s beneficiaries — SIBSPlace, the Remembering Nolan Project, and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust — each received a $48,000 check from parade fundraising efforts.
SIBSPlace, a local charity based on Long Island, provides free therapeutic support to children ages 5 to 17 who have a sibling or parent suffering from cancer or another life-threatening illness. The program focuses on helping these children build emotional resilience and cope with the impacts of a loved one’s medical condition.
The Remembering Nolan Project, a national organization founded by TJ and Kim Burch, educates students on the dangers of hazing and bullying. Through powerful storytelling and direct engagement, the Burches empower youth to recognize warning signs in their peers and take proactive steps to prevent tragedy.
The parade’s Irish charity, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, supports Irish families in repatriating the remains of loved ones who die suddenly abroad. The organization was founded to ease the financial burden of returning deceased family members home to Ireland under tragic circumstances.
Parade Committee President Jackie Kerr praised the partnership with this year’s charities at the May 5 ceremony at Monaghan’s restaurant, noting how meaningful it was to work with each organization.
“To work so closely with them, we were able to have a front row seat to what their organizations do,” she said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have selected such amazing charities.”
The ceremony also included awards for top parade participants. The Schade Academy of Irish Dancing in East Meadow was named Best Dance Group, Lawrence Road Middle School of Uniondale took home Best Marching Band and the Best Youth Group honor went to the BackYard Players & Friends of Rockville Centre. The Port Authority Pipes and Drums were awarded Best Pipe Band, and the Malverne Fire Department received Best Fire Department. A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Lyle Goldstein, who has made the banners for the parade for many years.
Kerr also recognized this year’s grand marshal, Suzanne Murphy Sullivan, for her extraordinary commitment and presence throughout the season.
The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade donates 100 percent of its proceeds to charity, and the funds are raised from events throughout the year that lead up to the parade. Organizers called this year one of their most successful, both in terms of fundraising and community involvement.
