Contact: media.gny@redcross.org | 646-627-9328

MINEOLA, N.Y. (August 25, 2025) — The American Red Cross on Long Island is proud to announce its 2025 Long Island Heroes Celebration, honoring six remarkable individuals and organizations whose courage, compassion, and service have transformed lives. The breakfast celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at The Heritage Club at Bethpage in Farmingdale, NY, from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

“This event shines a spotlight on everyday heroes whose extraordinary actions uplift our communities,” said Jose Dominguez, CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island. “Their stories remind us of the strength found in humanity and the power of stepping up when it matters most.”

2025 Honorees Include:

Community Impact Hero: Luv Michael
Founded in 2015 by Michael Kessaris and his parents, Dr. Dimitri Kessaris and Dr. Lisa Liberatore, Luv Michael is a nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful work and independent living opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum. From its beginnings as a granola bakery staffed by neurodiverse talent, Luv Michael has grown into a national movement. Through innovative partnerships and a pioneering residential model, the organization empowers individuals to live independently and thrive. With over 50,000 student volunteers educating more than one million people, Luv Michael continues to inspire change and champion inclusion. 

First Responder Heroes: Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling
Graduates of the Nassau County Police Academy, Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling demonstrated exceptional bravery on January 5, 2025, when they responded to a serious off-duty crash involving a fellow officer. Acting swiftly, they provided life-saving aid until EMS arrived. Their courage and quick thinking embody the highest standards of law enforcement and the power of selfless service.

Global Citizenship Hero: Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize
Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians and founding chair at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, has dedicated her career to expanding access to family medicine. A global advocate and delegate to the World Organization of Family Doctors, she’s been recognized for advancing care in underserved communities worldwide. Her leadership continues to shape a more inclusive, compassionate future in healthcare.

Disaster Hero: Jennifer Keane
When a referee collapsed mid-game, Jennifer Keane—an athletic director and trained nurse—immediately administered CPR alongside another nurse, stabilizing him until paramedics arrived. Her courage and composure under pressure exemplify the spirit of this award, recognizing individuals who act decisively in moments of crisis to protect and save lives.

Military Hero: Mel Cohen
Mel Cohen, a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired Suffolk County police officer, has spent his life serving others in honor of his brother Gerald, who died in Vietnam. He supports veterans across New York, especially those in prison and Gold Star families. Mel is active in many organizations, including Vietnam Veterans of America and Wreaths Across America. His dedication continues to inspire and strengthen the community.

Youth Heroes: Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein
After experiencing personal loss, teens Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein founded the HERO Project—a peer support group for grieving students. Guided by the Sid Jacobson JCC, they turned their pain into purpose, creating a safe space for middle and high schoolers to heal through shared experience.

Celebration Supporters

Co-chaired by Greg Lavine, James Quent and Jennifer Solomon, the Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island.

The Celebration Committee includes Ryan Attard, Brian L. Bank, Elaine Biller, Craig Burdett, Tara Butler-Sahai, Ali Jabbour, Andrea Kantor, Alyssa Kehr, Alissa Marti, Nelson Melgar Martinez, Alexis Morledge, Amar Nanugonda, Magda Paris, Djenny Passe, and Stacey Sweet.

The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to fulfill its vital mission. Proceeds raised during the fundraiser will enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, fires, and countless other crises.

We are grateful to our generous sponsors, and more opportunities to get involved can be viewed at redcross.org/liheroes

Sponsors (as of August 22, 2025)

• Hero Sponsor: National Grid
• Visionary Sponsors: Haugland Group, PSEG Long Island
• Match Sponsors: All Round Foods, Rivikin Radler
• Breakfast Champion: Northwell Health Family Medicine
• Media Sponsor: Connoisseur Media, Richner Communications/LIHerald
   

For more information, to purchase a ticket, or to donate to the Red Cross on Long Island, please visit: redcross.org/liheroes