Sunday, January 12, 2025
The Tommy Brull Foundation raised $46,000 during its 17th annual fundraiser at the St. Agnes Parish Center on Nov. 23, providing support for a South Side Middle School student recovering from complex brain surgery.
“The charities were very close to home this year,” said Martin Brull, president of the foundation. “It was great to celebrate two people in our community in different ways.”
This year’s principal benefactor was sixth grader Shea Hubbard, a South Side Middle School student and avid New York Islanders and Mets fan.
Hubbard, who loves hockey and baseball, began experiencing difficulties on the ice in September. An MRI at the emergency room revealed a bleeding brain cavernoma, requiring complex surgery to remove the cancer.
He is currently recovering with challenges to coordination and strength on his left side, but his resilience has inspired his family and the community. Funds raised will help cover his medical and therapy expenses.
In addition to supporting Hubbard, the foundation fundraiser contributes to various local programs, including Centre Stage, Challenger Baseball, RVC Top Soccer, RVC Hoops For All, Achilles Kids, the Move Program at CP Nassau, and the Exceptional Artist Foundation. The foundation also funds its own initiatives, such as wrestling exhibits, the Ladybug Ball, and a surf program at Camp ANCHOR.
The event also honored South Side High School senior Johnny Kilduff with the 2024 Courage and Resilience Award.
Kilduff, who has Down syndrome, has overcome significant challenges to achieve his goals. He has participated in multiple school drama productions, the Centre Stage theater program, and the Backyard Players & Friends.
“He is a great guy who brings a lot of joy and happiness to people in the community,” Brull said.
Kilduff has also performed the national anthem at several varsity sporting events and received a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol from Congressman Anthony D’Esposito.
“Thank you to the Tommy Brull Foundation for honoring Johnny,” his mother, Trish Kilduff, said via Facebook. “Your love and devotion to the most deserving is so appreciated. Your foundation and this community has made Johnny the young man he is today. Thank you to the amazing friends and family who participated in celebrating Johnny.”
For the past decade, the Courage and Resilience Award has recognized individuals with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities who have overcome adversity to achieve their goals.
The Tommy Brull Foundation is named after the late Rockville Centre resident, who died in an accident on the Williamsburg Bridge in 1999. Tommy’s brother, Martin, started the charity in 2008 in memory of his brother, who was a counselor at the Town of Hempstead’s Camp Anchor. Over the years, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for people with special needs and the organizations and programs that serve them.
For more information on the 17th annual fundraiser visit TommyBrullFoundation.org.
