Under the credence of “what we do matters,” professor Joe Manfredi and his students from the SUNY Old Westbury radio station OWWR, Old Westbury Web Radio, broadcasted from the “St. Baldrick’s Foundation” annual fundraiser which was held during the Glen Cove’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade during the spring break. Held on the corner of Glen and School Street in Glen Cove at “the Downtown Café,” Manfredi and his students played music, provided commentary, and streamed the event live on Facebook, as people sat in chairs outside the café, to have their heads shaved while raising money for childhood cancer.
Manfredi began having OWWR participate in the annual event in 2013. He was approached by local business owner John Zozzaro, owner of The Downtown Café. “That year we were honoring Nicholas Pedone, who had been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in 2012,” Manfredi said. He had learned of the fundraiser to help with Pedone’s medical expenses, and “I decided that the team at OWWR and I should participate.” He said the experience (then and since), gave students the opportunity to work in a real-life applied learning environment, as well as a catalyst to give back. “What a great opportunity to make a contribution for a great cause in a great community,” Manfredi said.
The following year, after Pedone’s passing, the fundraiser took on a new, (and its current), direction- to raise money for children battling cancer. That year, “We acknowledged the passing of Pedone,” said Manfredi, adding, “That was one of the most difficult shows I have ever done.” He said he recalls being with the Pedone family, the Glen Cove Police Department, and the Fire Department, as they held a framed athletic jersey of Nicholas, “Tears were streaming across all of our faces,” Manfredi said, adding added later that day that a student said to him firmly, “Professor, we are doing this show every year, period.”
“The students are such a very important part of this process on so many levels,” said Manfredi, “Watching them apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to an on-site broadcast and assuming ownership of the live webcast is truly something to marvel at… Plus, when they interact with the members of the community, cancer survivors, their families, and those that we are honoring…They truly inspire me.”
Over the past 20 plus years, Manfredi has participated and helped host many fundraisers for a variety of charities including, “Diabetes Research Institute,” “Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,” “Toys for Tots,” “March of Dimes,” “St. Jude Children’s Hospital,” “Relay for Life” and more. “We are all just spokes in this wheel that turn together to educate, create change and inspire,” said Manfredi. “I cannot imagine OWWR not being a participant in this event, and we are so grateful for all the support from the college as we demonstrate our institution’s mission… Our students are not only the heart of Old Westbury, but that heartbeat is even stronger when they are engaged during these programs.”
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