Remembering East Rockaway's Mark Dejak

Matt Brooks, 4 played corn hole with his grandma Betsy Schnaars.

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David Celis Garcia, Sara Olson, sell raffles to Chris O'donnell and Dana Rosen.

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Friends Keri Gilbert, Joe Alagna and Shana Rae at the picnic.

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Skylar Greenspan 3, at the picnic on Masone Beach

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The Switch performed at the memorial picnice held in Island Park.

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raffle prizes included gift certificates and memorabilia.

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FAMILY MEMBERS displayed a photo of Mark Dejak at the picnic. Pictured were, seated from left were Diane Petroccione, Jeanne Dejak and Alli Stein. Standing from left were Greg, Ernie and Adam Dejak, David Celis Garcia and Ryan Dejak.

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The Making-A-Difference Foundation, a division of the From Our Family to Yours Foundation, presented its 3rd Annual Mark Dejak Memorial Picnic on Sept. 15 at Masone Beach in Island Park.

Mark Dejak, an East Rockaway native, died at the age of 21 on March 17, 2010 in an accident on Lawson Boulevard. In his memory, his family and friends created the Making-A-Difference Foundation to remember Mark and his spirit of giving. 

This year’s picnic was greeted with fantastic weather and an abundance of love, generosity and support. More than 200 people were welcomed at Masone Beach by Mark’s family and friends. 

Exceeding last year’s numbers, the Making-A-Difference Foundation raised over $12,000 through generous donations and the sale of raffle tickets. This year’s raffle included over 75 donated items including restaurant gift certificates, MLB memorabilia and tickets, a 46-inch flat screen TV, and even an all-inclusive vacation for two.

All funds raised go to benefit the Making-A-Difference Foundation and their effort to support the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect, provide scholarships and donations to those needing economic support and their continued effort to “Make a Difference” in the name of Mark Dejak. 

If you are interested in making a donation to the Making-A-Difference Foundation, send checks payable to “MAD Foundation” to 46 Garfield Place, East Rockaway, NY 11518 c/o the Dejak Family . 

For more information, please visit the Making-A-Difference Foundation website at www.making-a-difference.org.