Plainview, NY At Eastman Cooke, a leading New York-based general contracting and construction management firm, giving back isn’t just corporate speak. It’s part of the culture. CEO Peter Morandi says he believes the best way to reinforce the importance of philanthropy and volunteerism at Eastman Cooke is to set a good example. Morandi is an involved and active supporter of many charitable institutions. He serves on the Board of Directors at ACDS and also supports many nonprofits that have a direct impact on helping people in need throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Morandi is a recipient of QCP’s Business Leadership Award, BSA’s Distinguished Citizen Award and was recognized as New York Real Estate Journal’s Executive of the Month. In 2019, he was honored for his service by Family & Children’s Association (FCA) at its Fall Harvest Celebration.
Accepting the honor from FCA, Morandi said, “Most of my life, I’ve been awe struck by buildings and great architecture and the transformation of a dilapidated structure into something stunningly beautiful and useful. In my line of business, there’s a visible end product.”
The work of charitable causes, Morandi noted, is powerful but much more subtle. After all, helping bring homeless individuals off the streets or saving the lives of addicts is far less visible than creating a building that reaches high into the sky.
April Intrabartola, vice president at Eastman Cooke, knows all about the subtleties of nonprofit work. Actively involved with FCA, she does everything from helping with the holiday gift drive to serving on the nonprofit’s board of directors. Most recently, Intrabartola organized the company’s response to helping healthcare workers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Eastman Cooke dropped off donations of food at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital and through social media thanked everyone who is standing on the frontlines of the battle with COVID-19.
While many businesses slowed down during the pandemic, Eastman Cooke found it was the perfect time for staff to help organizations such as FCA with tasks that may have been on the backburner for a long time. Recently, the Eastman team pitched in to move furniture and to help clean out the garage of one of FCA’s residences.
On the healthcare front, Eastman Cooke is also a donor for the Kathi Smillie Nursing Foundation, which Intrabartola’s family started in honor of her aunt who died of breast cancer in 2002. The Foundation raises money for the fight against breast cancer, offers a scholarship to students of the Molloy College Nursing Program and provides financial assistance to women who are undergoing breast cancer treatment.
For the Eastman Cooke team, being involved in the community sometimes means advising on construction matters. Morandi, who is on the board of ACDS, has advised the nonprofit as it seeks to expand its facilities. Eastman plans to donate general contracting and construction management services to ACDS for a renovation of the nonprofit’s lobby/waiting area in its Plainview facility.
“As a growing nonprofit that serves the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities, ACDS is truly grateful to Peter for his active involvement on our board,” said Michael Smith, executive director of ACDS. “Peter not only supports our mission, but has been generous in rolling up his sleeves and lending his professional expertise.”
Just as Morandi and Intrabartola actively participate in nonprofit-related events, all employees are encouraged to volunteer for their favorite charitable organizations at least once a year. As a result, a wide array of nonprofits benefit as Eastman Cooke staff members volunteer time and get involved to help nonprofits of their choice.
Eastman Cooke Construction is a leading NYC-based general contracting and construction management firm and IREON Member. Intelligent creative solutions are front and center of all client projects. Eastman Cooke’s expertise includes ground up and renovations, corporate interiors, nonprofit facilities, specialty retail, academic institutions, hospitals, laboratories and more. Outstanding communication and project development ensure that all projects are executed with success, helping clients realize their vision while building lasting, trusting partnerships.
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