The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 Ladies Auxiliary presented Silvana LaFerlita-Gullo, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island with a donation at Lights of Love Party, which was held at the Ronald McDonald House facility on Thursday, Dec. 13.

The donation was presented by Ladies Auxiliary officers' Connie Parker and Louise Bochynski, both Farmingdale residence. Other Columbus Lodge dignitaries at the event included Ed Bochynski, Frank Beltrani, and Frank Tiscione. "We gave the donation on behalf of the men and women of the Lodge," said Pauline Bove, past president of the Auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary will return to the House at year-end to stock the pantry with canned goods.

The donation comes at a turning point for the 16-year-old Ronald McDonald House, as they prepare for expansion of their New Hyde Park based facility. Since the merger of North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center, the House has been booked to capacity and has had to turn away over 170 families this year. Currently the facility is built to hold 18 families; however, a capital campaign is underway to increase capacity to 42 families.

The cost of expansion has been estimated at $5 million, however, pledges from members of the board of directors at North Shore-LIJ Health System and local businesses, like the Dime Savings Bank and McDonald's Tri-State owners and operators, have helped the McDonald House raise over $2 million. For information on contributing to the capital campaign, one may contact Silvana LaFerita-Gullo at (516) 775-5683.

The Ronald McDonald House is a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children undergoing critical medical treatment in area hospitals. Guests stay in a comfortable and supportive environment, with the ability to be at their child's bedside within minutes. Since 1986, the Long Island facility has served more than 7,000 families from across the United States and more than 62 countries worldwide.

Columbus Lodge #2143 is a not-for-profit fraternal organization and member of the Order Sons of Italy in America. The Lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming a member of this organization, one may contact Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.