Farmingdale CEO Named Honoree Of American Cancer Society Gala

FARMINGDALE, NY — A Farmingdale CEO was named honoree of the American Cancer Society's 2025 Hope Lodge Bash Gala, according to a news release.

Eugene Alletto, founder and CEO of BEDGEAR, will be recognized at the gala, scheduled for May 15 in New York City. BEDGEAR has raised nearly $100K for the American Cancer Society ahead of this year's gala — doubling its initial fundraising goal.

BEDGEAR has been a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society, the company stated. It has donated products to Hope Lodges across the country and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks for years, according to BEDGEAR.

BEDGEAR's support of the American Cancer Society began when the company donated its seatbelt pillows to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge to help patients travel more comfortably to and from treatment, Alletto said. The pillows were designed to protect sensitive areas during treatment.

"In one instance, a patient involved in a car accident shared how the Seatbelt Pillow helped shield their port during the impact — a moment that reinforced the importance of what we do," Alletto told Patch. "Our partnership with the American Cancer Society felt like a natural fit from the start. Once we saw firsthand how they provide a sense of home, community, and comfort during such a challenging time, we knew this was an extension of our mission. At BEDGEAR, we’re in the business of comfort — and this is comfort with purpose."

Additionally, BEDGEAR has made monetary donations through its cause marketing campaigns online and in retail stores.

Because of these initiatives, Alletto and BEDGEAR are being honored at the Hope Lodge Bash Gala and were given the opportunity to raise more money for the New York City Hope Lodge location, according to BEDGEAR.

The funds raised by BEDGEAR will support the Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center, which provides free housing and support services for patients undergoing treatment and their caregivers.

"We’re proud to support the American Cancer Society and the work being done through Hope Lodge," Alletto said. "It aligns with our values, and we’re always open to future opportunities that let us bring comfort to people when they need it most."

Alletto, in a message to fellow business owners, said "Giving back isn't a side project."

"It’s an important part of what it means to support the communities in which you serve," Alletto said. "If someone has to ask you to get involved, it’s already too late. Every business and every person should be committed to giving more than they receive."

Alletto called the honor of being recognized at the gala a "meaningful reminder" of how BEDGEAR gives back.

"At BEDGEAR, comfort has always been about more than products — it’s about people," he said. "To be recognized by an organization like the American Cancer Society reinforces that we’re living our values in a way that matters."

Alletto said Hope Lodge is proof that healing isn’t just medical — it’s emotional and social, too.

"We’re honored to contribute even a small part to that experience."

As the American Cancer Society's premier NYC fundraiser, the Hope Lodge Bash Gala "underscores the importance of corporate leadership and reflects Eugene's commitment to community engagment and social responsibility," BEDGEAR stated.

BEDGEAR headquarters is at 200 Sea Lane, Farmingdale.