Monday, February 17, 2025
SIBSPlace, a nonprofit organization based in Rockville Centre and affiliated with Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, successfully raised more than $300,000 during its annual masquerade fundraiser, dinner and silent auction on Oct. 19 at the Seawane Country Club in Hewlett.
Established in 2000 by a collective of families from the Five Towns, SIBS —Survivorship in Brothers and Sisters — is a cost-free program serving more than 300 children between the ages of 5 and 18 who are coping with the life-threatening illness of a sibling or parent.
During the fundraiser gala, the tireless commitment of several individuals was acknowledged. Naginder Singh of Rockville Centre was honored with the Helene Wren Award for her dedication to the community and outstanding service to SIBSPlace.
Singh, 85, is an active member of the Sandel Senior Center, the Lions Club of Rockville Centre, the Mount Sinai South Nassau Veterans Committee, the RVC Homemakers Club and a supporter of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, the Backyard Players and SIBSPlace for many years.
“SIBSPlace is such a wonderful program for the kids,” Singh said. “You know, I can’t say enough how touching it is. It’s very emotional. We are very fortunate to have all these resources within the community. I especially see it in Rockville Centre — the people are very giving.”
This year, the Peninsula Kiwanis Club was honored for its 20-year commitment to SIBSPlace and the Five Towns community. The organization plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, nutrition, education and literacy. Through the years, its dedicated volunteers have been working hard to create a lasting impact on the lives of children at SIBSPlace.
“It was amazing,” Michael Gliner, president of the Peninsula Kiwanis Club, said of the gala fundraiser. “We have been supporting SIBSPlace for years and raised over $150,000 over the years”
Every year, the Peninsula Kiwanis Club hosts a charity basketball game, known as “Hoops For Hope,” to help raise money for the programs at SIBSPlace. According to Gliner, the event also features merchandise and concessions, with all proceeds going directly to support the organization.
Joanna Formont, executive director of SIBSPlace, said she was thrilled with this year’s festivities.
“We are just so grateful to everybody that came out to support us, both in person and through online donations or online participation in our silent auction,” Formont said. “It was a huge success, and we can’t wait for next year.”
Since its inception 23 years ago, SIBSPlace has expanded significantly, broadening the scope of services offered to families in need, all while maintaining its status as a modest nonprofit organization. In order to sustain its operations, however, the organization hosts various events aimed at raising funds, including a spring benefit concert in March at the Bellmore Playhouse and a charity Bowl-a-Thon at Maple Lanes RVC in May.
