A Night Among Stars • Saturday, October 24, 2026
Heroes in the Community — The Starlight Gala 2026
An unforgettable evening honoring the leaders, advocates, educators, first responders, and changemakers who uplift our community every day. Presented by the John J. Byrne Community Center | UNIONDALE.
- 📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026 — 5:00 to 9:00 PM
- 📍 Hofstra University Student Center, Hempstead, NY
An Evening That Powers a Year of Impact
Every ticket, table, and sponsorship funds the Byrne Center’s year-round work: youth leadership and enrichment, senior wellness, health and fitness, arts and culture, financial literacy, and workforce development for Uniondale families and their neighbors across Nassau County. Honoring community heroes since 2009, this celebration is where our community gathers to lift up its heroes — and to invest in the next generation of them.
Four Ways to Take Part
- Attend — Individual tickets and tables of 10, early-bird pricing available now. Get Tickets →
- Sponsor — Eight levels from $500 to $25,000, each with year-round recognition. Explore Sponsorships →
- Honor a Hero — Know someone who makes our community stronger? Nominate a Hero →
- Place a Journal Ad — Congratulate an honoree or promote your business, from $100. Reserve an Ad →
A Celebration With a History of Prestige
Since 2009, the Heroes in the Community Gala has honored the leaders who shape Uniondale and Long Island — spanning government, healthcare, business, faith, and the arts. Our honorees and gala leaders have included Governor David A. Paterson, 55th Governor of New York; Arthur A. Gianelli, President & CEO of Nassau Health Care Corp.; Arthur M. Katz of the Uniondale Chamber of Commerce; Larry I. Slatky of NuHealth Systems; Frank A. Cordano of Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union; Monsignor Francis J. Caldwell; Uniondale Schools Superintendent Dr. William K. Lloyd; Bishop J. Raymond Mackey, Sr. of Tabernacle of Joy Church; George Siberón of the Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association; Hofstra Law Clinic director and Fulbright Fellow Prof. Serge Martinez; hip-hop icon and activist Chuck D of Public Enemy; and, in 2025, Luis A. Vasquez of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Marvin Amazan, Bishop R.W. Harris, and Commissioner Richard T. Harris, with a tribute to the late Pastor Novella Harris.
Questions about tickets, tables, or sponsorships? Contact us at or (516) 554-8124.