Huntington Man Honored For Contributions To Food Pantries

LARCHMONT, NY — A Huntington man was honored for his philanthropic efforts in giving back to St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters on Monday.

Scott Burnbaum has helped St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters for many years, the organization announced. He was recognized at the organization's annual Golf for Hunger event held at Bonnie Briar Country Club in Larchmont. The event, featuring golf, a pool party, lunch, dinner and a live auction, raised more than $250K for food pantries and food banks.

Burnbaum, managing director of sales in New York City for Facilities Solutions Group, serves on the Golf for Hunger committee. He was awarded the organization's "Francis Award."

"I continue to support this organization because they are meeting the most important needs of thousands of New Yorkers every year," Burnbaum said in a news release. "I am proud to be the event honoree, and I look forward to working with the team for years to come to provide food for those who need it most."

Food insecurity has grown in New York City over the past few years, and the city's most vulnerable are struggling to put food on the table, said Marina Watson, executive director of St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters.

"Without our corporate partners and individual supporters who go above and beyond like Scott, we would not be able to support such a wide network of pantries," Watson said.

While the golfers hit the links, another longtime supporter continued his tradition of swimming to raise money. Tommy Capobianco, during his "Swim for Hunger" campaign, swims 7,500 yards every year — the length of 75 football fields — as an additional fundraiser.

"Every year, I look forward to the opportunity to get out there and support a worthwhile organization who is making a difference in the community," Capobianco said. "I am grateful for the generosity of my colleagues, friends, and family."

Golf for Hunger is one of several events that St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters hosts throughout the year. The funds provide food distribution to pantries and food banks that depend on the organization to feed their families.

Other services include lunches for senior citizens, delivery of feminine hygiene products, back to school drives, supply kits for new mothers, and much more to meet the needs of local underserved communities.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America since 2020 to help raise awareness in our local communities of hunger, a persistent national problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks and 60,000 local meals programs across the country, estimates that nearly 34 million people, including 9 million children — about 1 in 6 Americans — are living with food insecurity. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.