MINEOLA, N.Y. (November 4, 2024) — The American Red Cross on Long Island will honor Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders, Global Industrial Company, and Anthony Lagos and Kevin J. Losee during its annual Long Island Heroes Celebration on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY. Award-winning News12 anchor Thema Ponton will serve as emcee.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all who support the critical work of the Red Cross across Long Island and throughout our country. During our Heroes Celebration we will highlight inspiring civic leaders and our neighbors who reflect the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross. At a time when disasters and emergencies are happening more frequently, your generosity is deeply appreciated by every single person we help day in and day out,” said Jose Dominguez, chapter CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island.

Honorees for the evening include:

Humanitarian Honoree: Jon Ledecky
Jon Ledecky is co-owner of the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League and the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League. Jon’s partnership group also owns the award-winning UBS Arena in Elmont and built the first Long Island Railroad train stop in over 50 years at the Arena. Jon has been the founder, co-founder or initial investor in over 20 companies that eventually became publicly traded. Jon Ledecky’s initial foray into professional sports ownership occurred in 1999 when, with partner Ted Leonsis, he bought the Washington Capitals and an interest in the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association. Jon later sold his partnership interest and started a foundation that dedicated itself to the education of underprivileged children in Boston, New York and Washington. Jon continues this work today in the greater New York metropolitan area through the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation.

Good Samaritan Hero Honorees: Anthony Lagos and Kevin J. Losee
Anthony Lagos and longtime friend Kevin J. Losee were sitting outside the Burger Boys restaurant in Glen Cove, New York, on August 31, 2023, enjoying a warm evening summer breeze, when the sound of shattered glass made them jump from their seats. Just across from the restaurant on Alvin Street, they saw a two-unit residence engulfed in flames. Lagos and Losee risked their lives to save residents from the blaze, entering the building and helping people out to safety. As the fire department worked to put out the fire, Lagos brought the residents back to his restaurant where he offered his neighbors food, drinks, and whatever clothing he could find. They later hosted a clothing drive and fundraiser to help the residents replace what they had lost.

Corporate Leadership Honoree: Global Industrial Company
Global Industrial Company is headquartered in Port Washington, New York and was founded in 1949 as a family-run material handling company. For more than 75 years, Global Industrial has distributed a wide range of industrial and maintenance, repair, and operations products, including its own Global Industrial Exclusive Brands™, to customers across North America. With extensive product knowledge and a solutions-based approach, Global Industrial is focused on helping customers solve problems by providing the tools and solutions needed to run their businesses and facilities.

Global Industrial has a long history of commitment to charitable causes. The company’s recent initiatives include the donation of personal protective equipment and supplies to hospitals. In 2022, Global Industrial released its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance report, reflecting the universal commitment of its Board of Directors, executive team and associates, to responsible stewardship and corporate civic responsibility. Earlier this year, the company launched Partnerships With Purpose, a corporate social responsibility platform that identifies collaboration opportunities with non-profit organizations that align with the company’s stewardship mission objectives.  Through Partnerships With Purpose, Global Industrial has supported organizations including the American Red Cross, the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youth and Adults, K9s For Warriors and others through its corporate days of service, and holiday, food and supply drives, as well as other local community-based engagement.

CELEBRATION SUPPORTERS
Co-chaired by Alexis Morledge and Ali Jabbour, the Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island. The Celebration committee members are: Elaine Biller, Evan Bollaci, Craig Burdett, Hiren Chauhan, Rena Clark, Sara Gojanaj, Andrea Kantor, Alyssa Kehr, Greg Lavine, Lauren Leonardi, Patrick A. Lespinasse, Lee Mueller, Kate Polley, Jim Quent, Gianna Saphia, Maurice Sedaka, Jeryl Sletteland and Stacey Sweet.

Celebration sponsors include:

• Presenting Sponsor: New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
• Hero Sponsor: National Grid
• Gold Sponsors: Haugland Group, NY Islanders
• Silver Sponsors: Edgewise Energy, PSEG Long Island
• Community Sponsors: Daniel Gale Foundation, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, Rivkin Radler LLP, Sands New York
• Media Sponsors: Connoisseur Media, LI Herald

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. For more information, to purchase a ticket, or to donate to the Red Cross, please visit: www.redcross.org/ligala.