Basket of Hope

The staggering impact of co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges touches nearly every family and community. Out of personal loss and a desire to create hope, the Basket of Hope event was founded in 2024 by Lisa La Macchia in memory of her brother, Shaun La Macchia, who tragically lost his life to an overdose. The Basket of Hope event will be a wonderful opportunity for Long Islanders to help in this fight, while enjoying an evening of raffles, food and fun.

This year, we are proud to honor three individuals whose compassion and advocacy have strengthened our community.

• Hira Ruskin
  Honored for her leadership in community advocacy and mental health awareness. She will also present the Dominick Thomas Peluso, III Mental Health Advocacy Award in loving tribute to Dominick’s life legacy.
• Alice Marie Rorke
  Inaugural recipient of the Shaun La Macchia Award, recognizing her dedication to supporting individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges.
• Kenny McDonough
  Recipient of the Hope Award for his compassionate leadership and steadfast support of those navigating behavioral health and substance use concerns.

These honorees embody the heart of this event—honoring lives lost, celebrating lasting legacies, and inspiring continued advocacy.

PURCHASE TICKETS, SPONSORSHIPS, AND MAKE DONATIONS

Hear more about Shaun’s story

Honorees

Hira Ruskin Northwell Health VP of Operations at Health Management BIO

Kenny McDonough Technical Director & Head Property Master at Radio City Music Hall – Local One I.A.T.S.E. BIO

Alice Marie Rorke Executive Director, Townwide Fund of Huntington BIO

Host

Dr. Sandeep Kapoor Northwell Health BIO