The Suffolk County Police Foundation will host its 2nd Annual End of Summer Soiree on September 30 at the Watermill Inn in Smithtown. Sponsored by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, the fundraiser supports the Foundation’s growing slate of programs for Suffolk County police officers and the communities they serve.
“This is about building a stronger tomorrow together,” said foundation President Louis Tutone, a retired 32-year Suffolk police officer. “Support for our officers, our Explorer program, and outreach to our communities has never been more vital. With the generosity of our donors, we’re turning that vision into reality.”
Formed in 2022 by co-founders Mike VanDenburg and Lisa Tuozzolo, the Foundation has quickly established itself as a key partner for law enforcement support initiatives: Tuozzolo, the widow of NYPD Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo, who was killed in the line of duty in 2016, has dedicated her life to honoring her husband’s sacrifice while uplifting police officers across the country. VanDenburg, who also co-founded the Promise of Hope Foundation, brings a long history of mobilizing aid for families in crisis, from Long Island to Uvalde, Texas.
In just a short time, the Foundation has:
- Introduced its first therapy dog, Hamilton, to assist officers and community members with mental health and wellness.
- Donated five TruNarc narcotics analyzers to Suffolk police, a $150,000 investment.
- Co-hosted National Night Out at Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood.
- Provided scholarships and registration support to more than 150 participants in the Police Explorers program.
- Awarded leadership honors to graduating academy recruits.
- Helped restore a vintage Suffolk police cruiser for the Historical Society.
For Tutone, the upcoming soiree is more than a night out—it’s a chance to unite the community to support a shared mission. “Every initiative we take on has one purpose: supporting the men and women who protect Suffolk County and strengthening the trust between police and the public,” he said. For more information on the event, contact him at ltutone@suffolkcountypolicefoundation.org.
“We have been very fortunate to have had very generous donors join our Board and share our vision for the Foundation,” Tutone noted. Organizations represented on the board include: Northwell Health, NY Cancer & Blood Specialists, MDASR LLP, Milburn Flooring, RENU Contractors, Fellow Health Partners, Moloney Family Funeral Homes, Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, The John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, Bulovas Restorations, Blue Line Wealth Management, Loss Prevention and Communication Systems, PICO Manufacturing and Park East Construction. “We have several meetings scheduled with some high profile firms and organizations and are very excited about our future plans,” said Tutone.