Honoring Community Heroes Since 2009
Past Honorees of the Heroes in the Community Gala
Since 2009, the John J. Byrne Community Center has honored the leaders, advocates, educators, first responders, faith leaders, and cultural icons who have shaped Uniondale and Long Island — spanning government, healthcare, business, education, faith, and the arts.
2025 — Heroes in the Community
- Hon. David A. Paterson — 55th Governor of New York
- Luis A. Vasquez — President & CEO, Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Marvin Amazan — Founder & CEO, Amazan Strategies
- Bishop R.W. Harris
- Commissioner Richard T. Harris
- In Memoriam: Pastor Novella Harris
Gala Chair: Charmaine Robin, Charmaine Robin Insurance Agency (State Farm).
2014 — Honors Gala
- Monsignor Francis J. Caldwell — St. Martha’s R.C. Church
- Minister Linda Clement — Outrageously Living God’s Word Ministry
- Liza V. Huber — Founder of Sage Spoonfuls
- James M. Sharpe, III — President, Uniondale School Board
- 1st Lt. Colton W. Wynter — Uniondale Fire Department
- In Memoriam: Ligia O. Estrada, Community Activist
Gala Chair: David A. Greaves, Uniondale Neighborhood Center, Inc. — Jericho Terrace of Mineola, October 16, 2014.
2011 — Heroes in the Community
- Prof. Serge Martinez — Executive Director, Hofstra Law Clinic; Fulbright Fellowship Awardee
- Mervyn A. Campbell — Uniondale Fire Commissioner
- Zahira Castillo — Long Island For Colombia
- Uniondale Foundation for Educational Excellence — Lisa A. Hunte, Kara M. Lee, and Hakeem A. Rahim
- In Memoriam: Susan Satriano, Susan Satriano Scholarship Foundation
Gala Chair: Larry I. Slatky, NuHealth Systems — Jericho Terrace of Mineola, May 5, 2011.
2010 — Heroes in the Community
- Dr. William K. Lloyd — Superintendent, Uniondale Schools
- Frank A. Cordano — Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union
- Bishop J. Raymond Mackey, Sr. — Tabernacle of Joy Church
- George Siberón — Executive Director, Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association
- Charmaine Robin — Charmaine Robin State Farm Agency
- Chuck D (Carlton Douglas Ridenhour) — Rap Icon & Activist, Public Enemy
- In Memoriam: Vergil DiSalvatore
Gala Chair: Larry I. Slatky, NuHealth Systems — Verdi’s of Westbury, May 6, 2010.
2009 — The Inaugural Heroes in the Community Gala
- Hon. Kevan Abrahams — Nassau County Legislator
- Arthur A. Gianelli — President & CEO, Nassau Health Care Corp.
- Arthur M. Katz — President, Knockout Pest Control; Uniondale Chamber of Commerce
- Mary-Ellen Kreye — President, Uniondale Community Council, Inc.
- In Memoriam: Hon. Joseph M. Margiotta
Gala Chair: Larry I. Slatky, NuHealth Systems — Long Island Marriott, Uniondale, June 16, 2009.
Know a Hero for 2026?
Nominations are open for the 2026 Heroes in the Community Starlight Gala. Help us honor the next leader who makes our community stronger.