Tommy Brull Foundation Raises $25K for Local Causes

On Saturday night, nearly 300 people came together at on North Village Avenue to support the Tommy Brull Foundation at its fourth annual fundraiser. The organization — which raises money for children and adults on Long Island with physical, mental and emotional disabilities — expanded the fundraiser this year to support a total of five causes.

“It was great to spend time with the families involved in the causes we’re donating to,” said Martin Brull, president and co-founder of the foundation. “It was nice to interact with them in a relaxed setting where everyone mingled while listening to live music.”

This year’s fundraiser benefitted Chase Callahan, a five-year-old with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy; Connor Lawless, a 13-year-old with autism whose family promotes social interaction for children with special needs; the Long Island Lightning Wheelchair Basketball team, which competes in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association; Evan’s Therapeutic Interventions, which supports horseback riding therapy for a 12-year-old boy with special needs; and Camp ANCHOR in Lido Beach, where Tommy Brull and his siblings worked as counselors.

Heidi Callahan, mother of Chase, attended the fundraiser with her whole family to express gratitude for the foundation’s support. “It’s refreshing to see so many people come together to help those with disabilities who may not be able to speak for themselves,” she said. “The turnout was amazing and it was a fun night filled with friends, family, amazing music and lots of cheer.”

The Brull family, lifelong RVC residents, began planning this annual event in 2008 to commemorate their brother Tommy, who died in an accident. The organization has since raised more than $90,000 to support Long Islanders with special needs.

Martin Brull said, “Our success has been due the support we’ve received from the community and local businesses.”