3rd Annual General Needs Gala

General Needs: People Who Provide the Basics

We remember when Lonnie Sherman was first struck by the number of veterans he’d met who were lacking the most basic items. His first response was to run out and buy a whole bunch of socks and underwear to donate. We met him soon after at a Huntington Rotary Meeting, when he had then committed to sharing his experience and asking others to join him.

That effort has blossomed into General Needs, a Northport-based nonprofit distributing necessary clothing, toiletries and other basic items directly to veterans. Since inception distributions have increased from sporadic to quarterly to monthly. According to the Long Island Times, by March 2025, the organization has donated 9,029 coats, 55,555 pairs of socks, 3,300 pillows and 10,224 boots.

Beyond their direct services, General Needs provides a helpful resources page on their website with links to other public and private organizations designed to help veterans. Check it out, there’s a lot there.

Upcoming 3rd Annual Gala

To support future distributions and to learn more about General Needs, you may join in their Annual Gala happening this June. Honoring Paule Patcher, Navy Veteran Mike Sweeney and giving out The Kathy Gibson youth award, General Needs will offer “an extraordinary dining experience with hand crafted cocktails where you will journey on the path showcasing how we support our veteran’s needs.”

The event will specifically support “The Welcome Home Project,” which provides household supplies and support to veterans. Your attendance helps ensure these veterans receive the stability, dignity, and support they deserve. 

Tickets range from $200 for general admission to $1,750 for a table of ten. Veterans pay a discount price of $150.

 It’s all for an amazing cause. We encourage you to click below and see more.

When: Friday, June 12th, from 6:30-11
Where: Leonard’s Palazzo, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11021
For More Information: Click here to visit General Need’s Website
To Purchase Tickets: Click here

She Who Served: Rosemarie Highlights Female Veterans

Photo of mural with Statue of Liberty against a US Flag
Thanks, Rosemarie!

I am grateful for my friend Rosemarie Kluepfel, who is endlessly endeavoring to serve those who served. She does much of this work through the foundation run by her employer, The Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. She has also found her voice as a musician, performing with the Chuck Evans Band throughout Long Island (They’ll be at Honu Kitchen & Cocktails in Huntington on 12/30 from 6-9pm if you want to catch her there!).

Here’s a song she wrote that fits both her passion and the season, “A Soldier’s Christmas”


Raising Awareness

Rosemarie recently saw her daughter enter the service. Being the mother of US Army Lieutenant Alexa Kluepfel only adds to her care for those who sacrifice so much for our Nation. It also draws more of her attention to the experiences and issues of women in the military.

Please check out this profound video that Rosemarie helped coordinate and run with the Melville Chamber of Commerce: “Women Who Served: A Veteran’s Day Tribute!” It features three female veterans, one who served during WWII, another in Vietnam and the third in Afghanistan.


Serving Human Beings

Rosemarie also wants you to know that the Fairway Foundation is currently focused on providing financial and practical assistance to one particular veteran. This individual has experienced significant trauma and is currently homeless while struggling to balance work, school and raising a 1 1/2 year old daughter alone. To protect her privacy, they are keeping her name confidential. They also want folks to know they are endeavoring to make sure their donation is a “leg up” rather than a “hand out.”


You Can Help!

The Fairway Foundation welcomes cash donations to assist this cause. All funds raised will be earmarked specifically for this veteran and her daughter. There are NO Admin fees. Checks may be made payable to “The Fairway Foundation” and mailed to the Fairway Independent Mortgage branch c/o Rosemarie Kluepfel at 1200 Veterans Highway Suite 102, Hauppauge NY 11788.

The Foundation is a 501c(3) charitable organization. The donation may be tax deductible. While it must be understood that the veteran has no place to store things until she has a home, in-kind donations may be welcomed, especially clothes sized 2t-3t. Please contact Rosemarie on her cell at 631-662-4576 to discuss this option.

Thanks!