Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board recognized 12 extraordinary community members for contributions to their local neighborhoods at the 17th Annual Make A Difference Awards ceremony on Nov. 12.
Several of the recipients of the award were among residents who went above and beyond to help others in the wake of the Superstorm Sandy.
“Every year we gather to honor the unsung heroes who strive to improve their communities and help their fellow citizens,” said Murray. “You will not find these people in the tabloids or on television. In fact, these honorees could be one of your neighbors, co-workers, or even a local landscaper with a green thumb and a heart of gold.”
The honorees have all dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of others. Hundreds of nominations were received for the prestigious award. Murray noted that each of the honorees had an inspiring story of courage, volunteerism and philanthropy.
One of those honored was Island Park resident Tommy Asher. In honoring Asher, Murray said, “You may recognize Tommy Asher as a hero of 9/11, who worked to save people at Ground Zero, and later advocated for those rescue workers who became sick. Then again, you may have seen Tommy on television, leading a busload of residents to Washington to demand federal aid after Hurricane Sandy. And if he wasn’t in our nation’s capital he was knocking on the door of local Sandy victims to offer food, water and supplies.
“Suffice it to say, Tommy Asher has often been seen making a difference in the lives of others. And while his outstanding humanitarian efforts have landed him in newspapers and on televisions nationwide, much of Tommy’s community outreach is done locally.
“He has organized the clean-up of local waterways, and currently serves as the Port Captain of Operation SPLASH in Island Park. He is a member of the local civic organization, Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce. And, despite losing his home during Hurricane Sandy, Tommy did whatever he could to help storm victims, including driving to Queens to bring back gasoline for his neighbors. Even now Tommy remains committed to the cause, serving as co-chair for the region’s Community Reconstruction Zone Planning Committee, which is tasked with securing funds for recovery efforts and storm protection. From the World Trade Center in New York City to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., to the hurricane-ravaged communities of Long Island, there is no mission too great or too small for Tommy Asher. Tonight, we proudly present him with the 2013 Town of Hempstead Make a Difference Award.”
