CAST Celebrates 60 Years of Service With Community Appreciation Event
A big thank you to Gym Days Multisport, providing a fun and exciting way for children to get active and develop a love for sports, fostering a lifelong pursuit of fitness and activity. To learn more, call 631-682-0890.Want to spotlight your business? Sponsoring Patch connects your name to the trusted stories your neighbors love every day. Learn more by contacting Lisa Finn at [email protected] or 917-224-2809.NORTH FORK, NY — An organization that has spent decades helping those in need is set to mark a milestone anniversary.The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation, or CAST, will celebrate 60 years of dedicated service to the North Fork and Shelter Island communities with a special 60th Anniversary Celebration & Appreciation event on Friday, August 8.The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at CAST, located at 53930 Main Road in Southold."This milestone event will bring together community members, supporters, volunteers and partners to honor six decades of impact and to thank the individuals and organizations that make CAST’s work possible," organizers said.Guests will enjoy lite bites, beer, wine, and live music by the Hoodoo Loungers, "in an evening filled with gratitude and celebration."Founded in 1965, CAST is now the North Fork’s leading provider of essential programs and services for low-income and vulnerable individuals and families. "From food relief and emergency assistance to educational enrichment, workforce training and the arts, CAST has remained steadfast in its mission to meet essential needs, provide opportunities, and build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community," said CAST Executive Director Erica Steindl. "On behalf of the CAST board of directors, staff and people we serve, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported CAST over the past 60 years. Their generous and varied contributions have enabled CAST to expand and effectively meet the ever-present and ever-growing need with dignity and compassion,” said Marc Sokol, CAST board president.Co-founder and former executive director of CAST Bessie Swann reflected on CAST’s milestone anniversary: "My time as executive director of CAST remains one of the most humbling and rewarding chapters of my life. I was blessed to serve alongside extraordinary staff and dedicated volunteer board members — many of whom became lifelong friends — as we worked to uplift those in our community facing hardship. Together, we witnessed lives transformed, hope restored, and futures rebuilt. The lessons I learned at CAST shaped the way I’ve continued to advocate for those in need, even beyond my years with the organization. As I celebrate CAST’s 60th anniversary, I offer my prayers for its continued success and unwavering mission to serve the poor and disenfranchised with compassion, dignity, and love."Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski also expressed his appreciation. "Southold is a far better place because CAST has been operating in our town for the last 60 years," he said. "We are grateful for the work that they do, and congratulate the board, staff and volunteers as they celebrate this milestone."The 60th anniversary celebration comes at a time when CAST’s services are needed more than ever, representatives said. The organization, CAST said, continues to respond to rising needs due to the high cost of living, seasonal employment challenges, and recent federal funding cuts that threaten many safety net programs. In 2025, CAST is on track to provide over 480,000 healthy meals, emergency financial support, client advocacy, and educational programming to more than 1,500 households on the North Fork and Shelter Island, CAST representatives said.CAST members say they are "deeply grateful" to the North Fork and Shelter Island communities for six decades of generosity, advocacy, and involvement. The celebration serves as a heartfelt "thank you" to the many individuals, volunteers, and donors who continue to help CAST fulfill its mission each day, they said.Tickets to the event can be reserved here. A donation of $19.65 — marking the year CAST was founded —is suggested. All proceeds will go to supporting CAST’s ongoing programs and services."We truly hope to celebrate with you," organizers said.The article CAST Celebrates 60 Years of Service With Community Appreciation Event appeared first on North Fork, NY Patch.
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