Jacob’s Light Foundation Celebrates Opening of New Headquarters
10/01/2012
6,300 square foot facility donated to not-for-profit to facilitate shipments of essential supplies to troops overseas opens
Ronkonkoma, September 21, 2012 – The Jacob’s Light Foundation (JLF) celebrated the opening of its new, Long Island headquarters with a ribbon cutting ceremony and program. Over 200 dignitaries, supporters and volunteers attended the event. Founder and Executive Director Dorine Kenny gave a heartfelt keynote address thanking Staller Associates, for the generous donation of the 6,300 sq. ft. building, volunteers, and elected officials for their support of the Foundation’s mission. Congratulatory remarks were made by Town of Islip Supervisor Tom Croci and Town of Islip Councilman John Cochrane, Jr., who was recently named a member of the Jacob’s Light Foundation Board.
Watch the segment on Newsday.com.
View photos on Flickr.
“This new facility, so generously donated by Carrie Staller and Staller Associates, will allow us to operate much more efficiently. Today is a celebration of what we have accomplished and where we will be going in the future. It is clear, by the strong showing of support from friends, sponsors, including The Home Depot which assisted with the renovation of the building, and volunteers, that my son’s memory and the memories of those who have been lost at war for our country, and all those serving today, have and will not be forgotten,” said Dorine Kenny, Jacob’s Light Foundation Founder and Executive Director.
Attendees toured the facility where items will be received, packed and shipped to thousands of U.S. Troops. It is estimated that operations will be 75% more efficient in the new space, keeping in mind that volunteers are still needed to pack boxes. The Foundation has shipped over 550,000 pounds of necessities overseas.
Visual displays of thank you letters, citations and photos on the building’s interior walls demonstrate the impact JFL has on the lives of troops and their families. A video presentation “In Their Boots” showed the history and mission of the Foundation. Patriotic themed artwork, including a hand painted portrayal of the Iwo Jima Memorial on a Home Depot apron was presented by The Home Depot Bay Shore’s Manager Chris Raimondi, and other artwork drew attention. Emotions were evoked by a portrait SPC Jacob Fletcher, Dorine Kenny’s son who was killed by a roadside bomb, on November 13, 2003, in Iraq. It was just 11 days before his 29th birthday. Prior to his death, Jacob had written his mother asking that she mail one of his buddies a care package as his friend hadn't received anything from home. This message played a major part in the creation of the foundation. Dorine, in her son's honor and loving memory, continues the mission to comfort and support the nation’s selfless, brave heroes overseas.
For information about supporting or volunteering for The Jacob’s Light Foundation call: (631)504-6217.