North Shore Residents Present Typhoon Relief Check to Red Cross

Community members from Port Washington and Great Neck recently presented Mineola-based American Red Cross on Long Island with a check worth more than $26,000 for the Red Cross Philippine typhoon relief effort.

Port Washington residents Robert W. Seiden and Aidan M. McCormack along with Benjamin T. Rossen, an 11-year-old pianist from Great Neck, presented the check to John Miller, CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island, at the Port Washington Yacht Club in March. Both Seiden and McCormack are American Red Cross on Long Island board members.

The money was raised at the “Classic Night at The Landmark” concert for Typhoon Haiyan Relief, which took place in December 2013 at Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington.

Funds raised will enable the Red Cross to purchase and distribute emergency relief items for storm-affected Filipinos such as food, shelter supplies, hygiene kits and mosquito nets. The money will also provide for cash grants to help typhoon survivors address storm-related needs.

"It is an honor to help our fellow citizens of the world in the Philippines,” McCormack said. “We hope this gesture from their friends in the United States will give them renewed hope as they move forward from this tragedy."

Community members Gail Seiden, Debbie Greco, Maya McCormack, Myrna T. Rossen and Dr. Robert M. Rossen were instrumental in organizing the concert the concert.

Miller said, "We're grateful to our two board members for raising much needed funds to help support the vital Red Cross Haiyan mission."