GREENPORT, NY, May 6, 2025 – The Eastern Long Island Hospital Auxiliary (ELIH Auxiliary) is proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the annual Car/Cash Giveaway, a beloved fundraising tradition that has raised nearly $500,000 to support hospital programs, equipment and services.
The idea for the giveaway was born two decades ago when former Senior Vice President of Nursing, Pat Pispia, and former Volunteer Services Chairperson, Toni De Meo, discussed how to fund a much-needed piece of hospital equipment. Their creativity sparked a tradition that continues to unite the community and directly benefit patient care.
From the very first fundraiser, Mullen Motors, Inc. of Southold played a vital role, generously donating a vehicle every year. The late Mr. Mullen, who championed the cause from the start, instilled a spirit of giving that lives on through his sons, who proudly continue the dealership’s support. To honor this milestone, members of the ELIH Auxiliary Board joined the Mullen brothers at the dealership to celebrate 20 years of partnership.
“This event is a remarkable example of what happens when community members come together with a shared purpose,” said Paul Connor, Chief Administrative Officer of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH). “Thanks to the ELIH Auxiliary and the Mullen family, we’ve been able to invest in life-changing upgrades to our hospital over the past two decades.”
“We are thrilled to mark 20 years of the Car/Cash Giveaway,” said ELIH Auxiliary President Helene Fall when reflecting on the event’s impact. “It’s a testament to the creativity, hard work, and dedication of our ELIH Auxiliary volunteers, and to the generosity of the Mullen family. We are deeply grateful for the support that continues to make a real difference for our hospital and our community.”
Proceeds from the giveaway have helped fund a wide range of initiatives, from advanced medical equipment to critical facility improvements, ensuring that Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital can continue to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the North Fork.
Photo Caption: From left to right: Madeline Laveglia, Barbara Koch, Anne McElroy, Paul Connor, Bill Mullen, Rich Mullen, Helene V. Fall, Susi Young, Margaret Brown, Susan Geitz, Lauretta Faria.
Photo Credit: Linda S. Sweeney, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital.
About Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital:
As part of Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) combines the best in academic and community medicine, improving access to advanced medical care for residents of the North Fork and Shelter Island. With 70 beds, SBELIH is Suffolk County’s first hospital, serving all of Suffolk County since 1905. SBELIH provides care to 25,000 year-round residents and expanding to 60,000 summer residents with comprehensive healthcare solutions, including behavioral health, medical-surgical, orthopaedics and general surgery, wound care, interventional pain management, gastroenterology, advanced ambulatory care, diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, and physical therapy services. The hospital is also a clinical campus and training site for Stony Brook Medicine, with its first SBELIH Psychiatry resident having graduated in 2022. To learn more, visit https://elih.stonybrookmedicine.edu/.
About the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation:
The Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation (ELIHF), established in 2006, is the fundraising and communications arm of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH). All of the Foundation's philanthropic efforts are independent of Stony Brook Medicine (SBM), and all funds raised by the Foundation remain local to benefit SBELIH in Greenport. SBELIH is one campus of the SBM system. All hospitals fundraise to enhance services, attract physicians and healthcare professionals, and to build infrastructure for current and future healthcare needs. The Foundation promotes participation in developing and maintaining a positive relationship between our community, healthcare providers and the hospital. To learn more visit: https://elihfoundation.org/.
About the Eastern Long Island Hospital Auxiliary
The Eastern Long Island Hospital Auxiliary is a dedicated volunteer organization committed to supporting Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital through fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy. For more than a century, the Auxiliary has played a vital role in enhancing patient care and hospital services by organizing events, managing the Opportunity Shop in Greenport, and funding essential equipment and capital improvements. With a legacy of service and commitment the ELIH Auxiliary continues to be a powerful force for good on the North Fork.