Brucculeri Named Outstanding Fundraiser
More than 700 people attended

Theresa Brucculeri, recognized for her outstanding volunteer contributions, is pictured with Robin Amato, Charles D. Kimpel of Philanthropic Consulting Service and James R. Rennert, Association for Fundraising Professionals of Long Island president.

Philanthropy

Day 2007, hosted by the Association for Fundraising Professionals of Long Island (AFPLI), an event which honors people who "truly exemplify the heart and spirit of philanthropy". The theme for this year's annual event was "Building for Tomorrow", which signifies that individuals and organizations play a significant role in encouraging better fundraisers tomorrow.

Theresa Brucculeri, vice president of the board of directors at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, was among seven people who were honored for outstanding community service contributions in various categories. Named this year's "Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer" by AFPLI, Brucculeri was honored for her exemplary efforts in building a better Long Island through years of service to the needy people in the community and surrounding areas.

Brucculeri is pictured with all award recipients who were honored: Robin Amato, Charles D. Kimpel, Ruth DelCol, Dylan Cruthers and Jennifer Zwilling, Eric Krasnoff (on behalf of his father Abe, honored posthumously) and Verizon Corporation Director of Community Affairs Bill Martin.

A lifelong resident of Queens, Brucculeri lives in Bayside with her family. She is a compassionate individual who has a special place in her heart for sick children. Brucculeri has been an integral part of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island for 20 years, serving on the board of directors for the past 10 as past president and in her present role as vice president. After the Ronald McDonald House broke ground in the early 1980s, she has organized an annual holiday fundraising event that has raised more than $1,000,000 for the house since its inception.

Brucculeri has been recognized for her volunteer work numerous times over the years. In October 2007, she was named a winner in the New York Post Liberty Medal Awards program, which recognizes outstanding people and local heroes. She was again honored a month later by the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens for her dedication and compassion to children everywhere.

"I learned about the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island in 1983. Since then, it has become a part of my heart," Brucculeri said. "I knew that when I found it, I found what I was always looking for. Thank you to my family, fellow board members and staff for the wonderful teamwork that is so important to the families who come to depend on the house. Thank you for this wonderful honor. I will treasure it always."

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is a home away from home for families of children who are undergoing medical treatment in area hospitals. Located on the campus of Schneider Children's Hospital, the house accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. Since 1986, the house has served more than 21,000 residents caring for some 10,000 seriously ill children. Many of the families are from Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties; as well as the surrounding metropolitan New York area, the nation and more than 80 countries around the world.