Heroes in the Community: Celebrating the People Who Make a Difference

Every community is strengthened by people who choose to lead, serve, advocate, educate, protect, inspire, and create opportunities for others. This fall, the John J. Byrne Community Center will once again bring our community together to recognize those extraordinary individuals at the Heroes in the Community – Starlight Gala 2026.

More than a celebration, the Starlight Gala is an evening dedicated to honoring the people whose commitment and service make Uniondale and the greater Long Island community stronger.

A Night Among Stars

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, guests will gather at the Hofstra University Student Center in Hempstead, New York, for an unforgettable evening celebrating leaders, advocates, educators, first responders, and changemakers who uplift our community every day.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Hofstra University Student Center, Hempstead, NY

Honoring Those Who Strengthen Our Community

Since 2009, the Heroes in the Community Gala has recognized individuals whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact throughout Uniondale and Long Island. Over the years, honorees have represented government, healthcare, education, business, faith communities, advocacy, and the arts.

The Starlight Gala continues that tradition by shining a light on people who dedicate their time and talents to helping others, creating opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring that the next generation has the resources and support needed to thrive.

An Evening That Powers a Year of Impact

The impact of the Starlight Gala extends far beyond one evening. Every ticket, table, sponsorship, and contribution helps support the John J. Byrne Community Center’s work throughout the year.

Gala proceeds help sustain programs serving children, adults, seniors, and families, including youth leadership and enrichment, senior wellness, health and fitness, arts and culture, financial literacy, and workforce development.

Support from the gala also contributes to the Byrne Center’s effort to transform the ballfields at 925 Jerusalem Avenue into regulation turf fields, creating an improved space for the hundreds of Uniondale children who use the fields each week.

A Celebration Rooted in Community

The Heroes in the Community Gala is also about bringing people together. It is an opportunity for neighbors, community organizations, businesses, public servants, supporters, and friends of the Byrne Center to connect while celebrating a shared commitment to a stronger community.

Each gathering reminds us that meaningful community change does not happen through one person or organization alone. It happens when people come together, recognize one another’s contributions, and invest in what is possible for the future.

Be Part of the Starlight Gala

There are several ways to take part in this year’s celebration. Community members can attend individually or reserve a table, businesses and organizations can become sponsors, supporters can recognize an honoree through a journal advertisement, and community members can help celebrate those whose work deserves recognition.

For complete information about the 2026 honorees, tickets and tables, sponsorship opportunities, journal advertisements, and other ways to participate, visit the official gala page.

Heroes in the Community – Starlight Gala 2026 Information

Celebrating Today’s Heroes and Investing in Tomorrow’s

At the John J. Byrne Community Center, we believe that recognizing those who serve our community is also an investment in the people who will lead it next.

We look forward to gathering under the stars on October 24 to celebrate our community’s heroes, strengthen the connections that bring us together, and continue building opportunities for generations to come.