A Summer luau of giving in Island Park

The start of the summer on June 20 opened with a crowd of over 200 attendees gathered for a lively summer luau fundraising event at Dox Bar and Kitchen in Island Park. Luau flowers and the Hawaiian theme were in full form at the event, organized by the Little Saint Nick Foundation and showcased the power of youth-led initiatives in making a significant impact on the lives of sick children. The foundation, co-founded by Raymond Mohler, 26, has been dedicated to helping children for the past two decades.

Raymond Mohler started the foundation at the tender age of six, inspired by his own experiences as a patient at Cohen’s Medical Center. Diagnosed with a hip joint disease, Raymond’s early brush with illness ignited a passion for giving back.

“After getting out of the hospital, I felt a sense of gratitude and wanted to help other kids who were in similar situations,” he shared.

What began as a small initiative to donate his birthday and Christmas gifts to hospitals has grown exponentially. Today, the Little Saint Nick Foundation has helped over two million children across North America, including the US and Canada. Their mission is simple: kids helping kids.

The summer luau event, now in its seventh year, originally started as a small networking event with a charity component. Over time, it has evolved into a major fundraiser, drawing support from across Long Island and beyond. This year, the fourth consecutive in Island Park, boasted over 200 attendees, reflecting the growing support and impact of the foundation.

The evening featured a range of activities designed to engage and entertain. From Hawaiian-themed décor to interactive stations where guests could create inspirational cards and pack gift bags for hospitalized children, the event was both fun and meaningful.

“It’s all about having fun and helping kids,” Mohler said, emphasizing the dual purpose of the gathering.

The success of the Little Saint Nick Foundation is driven by a dedicated team of young leaders, many of whom have been friends since childhood. Zack Andersen, 27, the COO, met Raymond when they were just 12 years old playing youth hockey in Freeport.

“We’ve been best friends ever since,” Andersen shared. He described the rapid expansion of the foundation’s operations, noting that they now reach children in seven states and four Canadian provinces.

“We pack 15,000 gift bags a year, we deal with 50 Plus youth groups and businesses just on Long Island and then we’re in all these other markets, so it is crazy,” Andersen said. “But at the end of the day, the stressful days end and realize we’re doing something good. Our job is much more fulfilling when you have a wholesome duty to help others. Bad days are overshadowed by something good you’re doing for others.”

Bradley Cooper, the Northeast Executive Director, echoed Andersen’s sentiments. Having known Raymond since middle school in Lynbrook, Cooper has witnessed the foundation’s growth firsthand.

“The most amazing part has been the organic growth,” Cooper explained. “Hospital employees who’ve seen the impact of our bags bring the program to new locations.”

As the foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, the young team said they remain as enthusiastic and committed as ever. There annual golf outing and holiday toy drive continue to be major events, furthering their mission and expanding their reach and this year’s summer luau met all expectations.

“We aim to break last year’s record of $33,000,” Raymond noted optimistically. By the start of the event, they had already raised $30,000, with hopes of surpassing $40,000 by the end of the night.

The Little Saint Nick Foundation stands as a testament to the power of youthful determination and community support. With a dedicated team and a growing network of supporters, they are poised to continue making a difference in the lives of children for many years to come.

“We feel like we’re just getting started,” Cooper said. “We’re all 25, 26 or so and, you know, it’s great that this is the basis upon which that we have this core. It’s just organic growth and the sky’s the limit.”

For more information about the Little Saint Nick Foundation and how you can get involved, visit their web site at littlestnick.org.