Andrew Alati Foundation Honors Legacy of Kindness Through Support of Make-A-Wish

The Andrew Alati Foundation is continuing its mission of spreading kindness and helping children in need while honoring the memory of a young Levittown boy whose compassion touched countless lives.

The foundation was established in 2021 by the Alati family following the loss of Andrew Alati on June 30, 2019. In the years after his passing, family members heard many stories from classmates, teachers, friends, and neighbors about the quiet ways Andrew helped others. Known for making everyone feel included, he often reached out to students who felt alone, were being bullied, or faced personal challenges.

“Andrew never made anyone feel different,” said his mother, Diana Alati. “He always wanted people to feel welcome.”

That spirit continues through the foundation, which supports a different charitable organization each year. On June 8, the foundation hosted its annual golf outing at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington, raising $31,000 for Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York. The local Make-A-Wish chapter serves children and families across Long Island.

After learning more about Make-A-Wish and its work with children facing critical illnesses, the Alati family felt a strong connection to the organization’s mission. Diana said Andrew was always looking for ways to help others, especially children who were struggling or felt left out, making Make-A-Wish a natural fit.

The success of this year’s outing was made possible by the support of sponsors, volunteers, family members, friends, and community supporters who continue to rally behind the foundation’s work.

For the Alati family, the event is about more than fundraising. It is an opportunity to celebrate Andrew’s life while bringing hope and joy to children and families facing difficult circumstances.

“Continuing Andrew’s legacy is not only about how much money we raise,” Diana said. “It’s about how many smiles we add to a child’s face and how much heartache we can alleviate for families so they can focus on their loved one.”