H2M employees participate in INN event at Mary Brennan Soup Kitchen

H2Mers-at-the-INN.jpg">H2Mers-at-the-INN-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Shown (from left) are: Medler, Uzzo, Cuggino, Mammina, and Sedorowitz.

Hempstead, NY On Tuesday, March 7^th, H2M employees Joyce Cuggino, Liz Uzzo, Kevin Medler, David Mammina, and Jack Sedorowitz participated in a charity event at The Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN). A few times a year H2M sponsors a meal at The Mary Brennan Soup Kitchen in Hempstead, and Tuesday was H2M’s first meal of the year.

H2M is a large supporter of the INN. H2M donates $1,000 towards the meal and H2M employees donate their time by volunteering on that day. Volunteering tasks range from sorting donated goods in the receiving area, to prepping lunch in the kitchen. The INN serves anywhere from 150 to 400 guests every day during the week (Monday-Friday) and our employees are happy to help in any way that they can.  

The H2M group did many things while volunteering for the INN this day. Mammina, Medler, and Sedorowitz started working in the garage sorting out donated clothes. Some clothes were given to Big Brother to be shredded, and the rest were available in the shop for those who needed clothing. Uzzo and Cuggino were working in the kitchen to help prepare salmon fillets and the rest of lunch sponsored by H2M. The highlight and most heartwarming point of the volunteer day is serving the meal. H2M’s Jack Sedorowitz was tasked with serving families with children and the handicapped, which meant he filled his tray with food and gave it to guests at their tables. When he was asked about his experience he teared up, and was overjoyed being able to help those in need.

Sedorowitz said, “I placed a tray of food which consisted of salmon, vegetables, salad, mixed fruit, and a slice of bread in front of one of the women, she was still wearing her coat and she turned her head to me and said ‘thank you’ I looked into her eyes and she asked me with hesitation ‘Can I have an orange too?’ as if it was the most important need in her life at the moment, I said ‘Of course’ she proceeded to watch as I swiftly ran to the kitchen to find the biggest orange I could find. She thanked me again with her reaching eyes and warm gentle smile.”

“An experience that will move your heart and move your mind to a new level of awareness. Leave your cell phone and your life at the door; participate, observe, and absorb one of the most rewarding experiences you may ever have by volunteering at The INN,” said Jack.

Throughout the year H2M participates in several community and charity events that are proposed by employees. H2M’s priority is to support any charity that is important to our staff members. An example of this is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) which is an important cause to many of the architects

and shareholders at the firm. Since the cause is so valued by the staff, it is then valued by the whole company. This is something that resonates throughout the firm from The Interfaith Nutrition Network (The INN), the Polar Plunge for the NY Special Olympics, the Tunnel to Towers 5K, the Out of the Darkness Walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and countless more. H2Mer’s love giving back to the community, and take pride in their volunteer efforts.

The INN addresses the issues of hunger and homelessness on Long Island by providing food, shelter, long-term housing, and supportive services in a dignified and respectful manner for those who seek help. The INN is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization with a dedicated staff, a broad base of community support and a commitment to educate the public about these issues.