[Long Beach, NY September 19, 2024] — The American Red Cross on Long Island recognizes the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation of Long Beach, NY, for its pledge of $10,000 to support military members, veterans and their families. With this commitment, the Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation helps ensure the organization can be there for U.S. military heroes and their families anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The military care for the health and safety of everyone. They are having difficult times and need more support. It is important to have more people feel comfortable in protecting and serving this country. These are special people who have needs we can and should support,” said Harvey Weisenberg, founder of the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Foundation. “Long Beach is a small city, a city of love. On behalf of the people of Long Beach and of our Foundation, we are proud to support the Red Cross as they support these important families.”

For about 140 years, the Red Cross has stood beside the nation’s heroes and their families from the day they enlist, throughout their military careers and long after they return home as veterans. The Red Cross is the only organization chartered by the U.S. Congress to furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded in armies during times of war and the only organization congressionally chartered to keep military members and their families connected during personal emergencies. Stateside, the network of about 230 Red Cross chapters provides care and support, including services at veterans’ hospitals across the country. Red Cross staff is embedded on more than 35 military installations overseas, ranging from deployment zones to military hospitals.

“We are so grateful to Harvey and to the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation for his generous support of military families and the Red Cross Mission. Harvey has dedicated a lifetime of service to helping people. His kindness is an inspiration,” said Stacey Sweet, vice-chair, American Red Cross on Long Island Board of Directors.

“Every day across America, brave men and women answer our nation’s call to serve in the United States Armed Forces. These heroes and their families assume great responsibility and face challenges unique to military life. We cannot erase these difficulties, but we can ensure that service members, veterans and their families never face them alone, thanks to the support of partners like the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation,” said Jose Dominguez, chapter CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island.  

About The Work of the Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation

The Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation is a non-profit, IRS-approved 501(c)3 organization that provides a unique resource for people all over the country, and advocates for people with special needs, their families and caregivers. Our work often dovetails with the not-for-profits who house and care for people with disabilities. Our foundation is the brainchild of Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg, whose beloved son, Ricky, was born with developmental disabilities. Harvey Weisenberg was a New York State Assemblyman for 25 years. Now retired, he and Ellen formed this nonprofit to serve people who, like Ricky, live with disabilities, as well as their parents and caregivers. The Weisenberg Foundation is also an advocacy organization that advocates for people who have no voice. For more information, please visit harveyandellenweisenberg.com

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.