Continuing a Mission of Honor and Service

The newly sworn-in 2026/2027 Board of Directors of the Tribute and Honor Foundation proudly displays the Foundation's emblem, which features a phoenix rising from the ashes — a symbol of the organization's origins in spearheading a fundraising campaign that raised nearly $50,000 to support the rebuilding of Glen Cove VFW Post 347 following the devastating 2021 fire. Front row, left to right: Treasurer Thomas Bunger, Vice President Harold Bollaci, President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, and Board Member Lydia Wen Rodgers. Back row, left to right: Board Members Koorosh Leibowitz, Janice LaRocca, and Christina Abbondandolo.

Long Island, N.Y. — The Tribute and Honor Foundation officially installed its 2026/2027 Board of Directors during its June meeting, welcoming two new members as Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck administered the oath of office.

Joining the Board are Janice LaRocca, who will serve as Outreach and Records Officer, and Christina Abbondandolo, who assumes the role of Digital Communications Officer. Following the ceremony, each received the Foundation's official lapel pin, symbolizing their commitment to supporting veterans, military families, and the communities they serve.

"The strength of any organization comes from the people who choose to invest their time and talents," said Foundation President and Founder Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. "Janice and Christina each bring outstanding professional experience and a genuine commitment to service. We are delighted to welcome them as we continue to expand our work throughout the community."

Established in December 2021, the Tribute and Honor Foundation grew out of the community's efforts to assist with the rebuilding of Glen Cove VFW Post 347 after the devastating 2021 fire. Since then, the organization has broadened its mission to recognize military service, support veterans and military families, preserve their stories, and foster community partnerships that inspire civic engagement and patriotism.

Today, the Foundation's programs include the annual Tribute and Honor Awards Ceremony, presented each February, the Ben Farnan Scholarship Program for graduating seniors pursuing military service, the Glen Cove Salutes Military Tribute Banner Program, and a variety of educational and recognition initiatives honoring those who have served our nation.

LaRocca brings decades of experience in administration, business operations, and volunteer leadership. She currently serves as Business Office Coordinator at Sunrise Senior Living in Glen Cove and has held numerous leadership positions in both nonprofit and educational organizations. Active in the Glen Cove school community, she serves as Recording Secretary for both the Glen Cove High School PTSA and Booster Club. She is also the proud mother of a son serving in the United States Navy.

Abbondandolo is an accomplished designer and communications professional specializing in branding, website development, editorial design, and digital media. Her creative work has helped businesses and nonprofit organizations strengthen their public presence through effective visual communications. She also serves as Corresponding Secretary for Sons & Daughters of Italy – Loggia Glen Cove, where she oversees communications, website management, and design projects that promote Italian heritage and community involvement.

"Janice and Christina complement our existing Board with talents that will help strengthen every aspect of our mission," Stevenson-Mathews added. "Their experience, creativity, and dedication will help us continue honoring veterans, preserving stories of service, and building stronger connections throughout our communities."

The Tribute and Honor Foundation's 2026/2027 Board of Directors includes President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews; Vice President Harold Bollaci; Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone; Treasurer Thomas Bunger; Digital Communications Officer Christina Abbondandolo; Outreach and Records Officer Janice LaRocca; Programming and Events Officer Koorosh Leibowitz; and Online and Media Content Officer Lydia Wen Rodgers.

Mayor Panzenbeck commended the Board for its volunteer leadership and praised the Foundation's ongoing work honoring veterans and military families.

"The members of the Tribute and Honor Foundation have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our veterans and to the values of service, patriotism, and community," said Panzenbeck. "I was honored to participate in the installation ceremony and look forward to seeing the Foundation continue its important work in the years ahead."

As the Foundation looks ahead to its 6th Annual Tribute and Honor Awards Ceremony and another year of service to the community, its leadership remains focused on supporting veterans and military families, preserving stories of service, recognizing the next generation of military leaders, and building partnerships that strengthen communities throughout Long Island.

To learn more about the Tribute and Honor Foundation, visit www.thfli.org