$10,000 Donated to Glen Cove’s VFW Post

This past Friday morning, March 24, 2023, Glen Cove’s VFW Post members, Board Members of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, elected officials, and friends gathered for a check presentation ceremony at VFW Post 347, which suffered a fire on August 24, 2021. Arranged by Firefighter and 2023 Phoenix Rising Award recipient Pete Prudente, the $10,000 check presented was part of a sponsorship for the Tribute and Honor Foundation's Phoenix Rising Awards held this past February at the Metropolitan in Glen Cove. This was the second time the Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation donated $10,000 to the Post. The other donation was made in March of last year at an event in support of the Post organized by former Congressman, Tom Suozzi. Both checks were donated directly to the post.

Those who shared remarks at the check presentation ceremony included Firefighter Pete Prudente, representing the Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation; Commander Henryk Nowicki, representing the Post; Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, representing the Tribute and Honor Foundation; Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, and former Congressman Tom Suozzi. VFW members and Executive Committee members of the Tribute and Honor Foundation were also in attendance. Prudente, who serves many other VFW Posts and American Legion Posts on the North Shore in addition to VFW Post 347 commented, “I feel honored and privileged to serve our local veterans in any way I can, whether it be coordinating their picnics and lunches, organizing blood drives, or working to secure funding through foundations such at the Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation.”

In 1920, many of our area veterans who fought in WWI joined together to build VFW Post 347. The Post suffered a devastating fire in August of 2021 and the funds donated on Friday will help with the rebuilding. “The building is not only a testament to the bravery of our men and women who fought for our freedom but is also a source of fellowship for local veterans. The generosity of Peter and Jeri Dejana in supporting the post is giant,” stated Stevenson-Mathews.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation (formerly Phoenix Rising Committee) was founded in December of 2021 with a mission to serve the VFW and the veteran community. Thanks to the help of the community, the foundation has raised over $52,000 for the Post, including today’s check.

Peter and Jeri Dejana have always been known as generous donors, giving to a diverse group of local and regional organizations. In 2012 the Dejanas established a private foundation to formalize their philanthropic giving and enhance their ability to help those in need of support through the Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation. “Supporting our community, locally and beyond” is the mission. Although most of its giving is within Port Washington and its surrounding communities, the Dejana Foundation donates to more than 200 qualified 501(c)(3) organizations across the United States to enable a meaningful impact whenever possible. “We are committed to supporting our veterans, locally and afar. It is important to have a post where veterans can gather and receive the programs and services they require. Both Jeri and I are proud to assist Glen Cove’s VFW Post 347 to rebuild of their post,” said Peter Dejana, president of the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation. Mr. Dejana added his heartfelt congratulation to all the honorees and recipients of the Phoenix Rising Awards.

Commander Nowicki shared, “We are very appreciative of the Peter and Jeri Dejana foundation. They have been so very generous to our Post.”

For more on James E. Donohue VFW Post 347, visit www.vfwpost347.com

For more on the Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation, visit www.dejanafoundation.org

For more on the Tribute and Honor Foundation, visit www.phoenixrisingawards.com