The Manhasset Community Fund launched its 2003-04 fund-raising campaign this week as Manhasset residents and businesses all received the Fund's annual mailing. The venerable organization is in its 57th year, but some newer residents still may not be aware of the Fund's deep roots in helping those in need in this community.

"Some may be wondering, just what is the Community Fund and why should I support it?" said Community Fund co-president Tom O'Malley at the launch. The fact is, he says, each year the Fund solicits donations from the entire Manhasset community and in turn distributes the monies to a wide range of charities and organizations that have an impact in and around our town.

"This is all about 'neighbor helping neighbor'" said co-president Sheila Brennan, "so, if you've ever wanted to give to charities that work in Manhasset, the Community Fund may be the answer." Mr. O'Malley emphasized, "One donation to the Community Fund goes a long way." Manhasset residents' donations go to many local programs benefiting our children, our senior citizens and the less fortunate as well as the sick and the disabled. "Importantly, because these are local organizations, all donations are put to work right here in our own community," he added.

This year, community donations will be used to support the work of 18 "member agencies" of the Fund namely:

Community Care of Manhasset (formerly the Manhasset Visiting Nurse Service)

Child Abuse Prevention Services

Family & Children's Association

Friends of Hospice

Manhasset-Great Neck Community Service Center (formerly the EOC)

Manhasset PAL

Manhasset Senior Citizen Advisory Council

Manhasset Student Aid Association

Manhasset Youth Council

The Mental Health Association

Nassau County Boy Scouts (for Manhasset Troops)

Nassau County Girl Scouts (for Manhasset Troops)

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

North Shore Hospital

St. Francis Hospital

The Rehabilitation Institute

USO (to honor Manhasset military)

United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County.

According to co-president O'Malley, few Manhasset parents probably realize that their child's PAL or Scouting experience is partially supported each year by a grant from the Manhasset Community Fund. Other supported programs provide college tuition assistance, activities for senior citizens, hospice services, free child dental care, support for families in need, help for the disabled, and much more.

The co-presidents report that last year's Community Fund drive was very successful in that it exceeded its monetary goal. Therefore, the Community Fund was able to award special grants to Manhasset Student Aid to help deserving college students participate in summer study programs and to Manhasset/Great Neck CSC (EOC) for youngsters to experience a science camp and attend summer internships.

The co-presidents are aware that, since the Fund has been operating since shortly after World War II, their organization may have assumed a reputation as "your parent's charity." However, over the years it has been quietly providing millions of dollars in monetary support to many deserving local programs and organizations. They stress that our younger and newer Manhasset residents must understand that there's a great local charitable need, and that's where the Manhasset Community Fund steps in and supports a variety of organizations that help people right here in Manhasset.

The Manhasset Community Fund's Board of Directors consists of about 40 volunteers from all sections of Manhasset. They meet regularly to discuss fundraising, monitor the agencies receiving support and review the actual use of the grants it awards. The Budget and Admissions Subcommittee annually allocates the monies raised and reviews monetary requests from new organizations. "Additionally, every year at least one director visits each agency to get a first hand look at the work they are doing," said Mr. O'Malley.

Recently, the Community Fund established a new partnership with the Greentree Foundation. This year a completely separate fund of money totaling $150,000, donated entirely by Greentree Foundation, will be distributed to the charities of Manhasset and other surrounding communities by our Community Fund. However, this "Greentree Foundation Good Neighbor Fund" is intended for new charitable undertakings, and the Community Fund is still relying on the generosity of the Manhasset Community to carry on its traditional work. "The Greentree Foundation Fund is a wonderful expansion of the good work we can do" O'Malley stressed and "is in no way a replacement for the terrific support we receive from the community."

Co-presidents O'Malley and Brennan expressed their sincere gratitude to the many residents who loyally support the Fund each year. "Manhasset is a very special place to live," Brennan said, "and the past year has been quite remarkable! The Community Fund has recently taken on new dimensions. The phrase 'neighbors helping neighbors' sums up the mutual respect evidenced in our town." She urged all households to support the Community Fund and reminds everyone that "any donation, whether large or small, helps support the good work of local charities and organizations making a difference right here in Manhasset."