‘Spread the Love’ a success

The Glen Cove Senior Center and Northwell Health teamed up in February to raise money for a health center in Puerto Rico that was ravaged by hurricane Maria.

Attendees danced to a salsa band who had donated its talent to the cause, and feasted on Central and South American fare contributed by local restaurants like Puzo Compare and Cinco de Mayo.

Proceeds went to The Culebra Community Health Center, on the island of Culebra, to the east of the main island of Puerto Rico. After Culebra was devastated by the hurricanes “They just completely had to close it all down,” Lucy Van Horn, former activities coordinator for the Glen Cove Senior Center who has family in Puerto Rico, said. “They’re talking about re-locating the whole [medical center].” She worries about the people who live on Culebra, who could be forced to seek medical attention elsewhere.

The “Spread the Love” event — which featured talks from medical professionals who had traveled to Puerto Rico to help — ultimately raised $8,500, about 70% more than they had hoped for.

— Zach Gottehrer-Cohen