Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Oceanside Kiwanettes will host their annual fundraising gala on April 23 at O’Connell Gardens at the Knights of Columbus in Oceanside, celebrating two women whose service and leadership have left a lasting mark on the community.
This year’s event will honor Denise Elardo with the 2026 Public Service Award and Nancy Baxter with the 2026 Leadership Award. Organizers describe the evening as an elegant celebration of dedication, compassion and commitment to Oceanside.
Elardo, a lifelong Oceanside resident and owner of Charlie’s Butcher, is widely recognized for her resilience and generosity. Her path began in Queens before she was adopted at age six by the Elardo family of Baldwin. Raised in a large, supportive household, she developed the strong sense of community that would define her life.
At 17, Elardo began working at U-Need-A Prime Meats, where she spent more than two decades building relationships with customers and becoming a trusted presence in the neighborhood. When the shop closed in 2019 following the illness of Charlie DeLuca, Elardo turned uncertainty into opportunity. With encouragement from the community, she opened Charlie’s Butchers across the street, bringing along former coworkers and continuing the business’s legacy.
Just months later, the pandemic tested that commitment. While many businesses shuttered, Elardo and her team worked long hours to ensure residents had access to food. The shop quickly became a vital resource for families during an unprecedented time.
Beyond her business, Elardo has consistently supported Oceanside through sponsorships of local sports teams, donations to schools and first responders and food contributions to those in need. During the pandemic, she delivered meals to staff at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital, reflecting her deep sense of gratitude and service.
Elardo also faced a personal battle with cancer, which she approached with determination. In 2025, she raised more than $18,000 for the American Cancer Society through the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, using her experience to inspire others.
Despite her many accomplishments, Elardo is known for her humility, often crediting her staff, family and community for her success. Her story, Kiwanettes officials said, exemplifies perseverance and the power of giving back.
Baxter, this year’s Leadership Award recipient, has dedicated decades to community service, youth development and civic engagement. A Glen Cove native, she built her career around recreation and education after earning a degree in recreation administration.
Early in her career, Baxter worked at the Locust Valley Boys & Girls Club, where she helped introduce programming for girls during a pivotal time for the organization. After moving to Oceanside with her husband, Gary, she became deeply involved in local schools, particularly through the PTA at School No. 3, where she organized events and initiatives for families.
Baxter later joined the Oceanside Department of Community Activities, eventually serving 17 years as youth coordinator. In that role, she helped shape programs that benefitted countless young residents.
Her leadership extended to the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside, where she joined as Key Club advisor in 2005. In 2008, she became the club’s first female president, serving four years and earning the designation of Distinguished President twice. She later served two terms as lieutenant governor for her division.
During her tenure, Baxter emphasized community engagement, helping launch initiatives such as a free outdoor movie night at Schoolhouse Green to thank residents for their support. The event drew hundreds in its first year and became a symbol of community connection.
Baxter has also been active in the Oceanside Community Service organization, where she serves as vice president, and in the Drug Awareness and Wellness Committee, where she helped expand access to educational materials for families.
Her contributions have earned numerous honors, including Citizen of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce, the Nassau County Spirited Leadership Award and the Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award.
Known for her philosophy of “paying it forward,” Baxter continues to serve as a security monitor at Castleton, Oceanside’s alternative high school, where she mentors and supports students.
Kiwanettes officials said both honorees embody the organization’s mission of service and leadership.
Proceeds from the gala will support the group’s ongoing charitable efforts in Oceanside.
