By Scott Brinton
The event brought together the many people who helped found the nonprofit organization and its current officers and volunteers. Gail Volk, the group's executive director, paid homage to all of them, and specifically honored the six Wellness Council members who created the group: former Central High School District Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein, Assemblyman David McDonough, Dr. Wendy Schonfeld, the Rev. Duane Buddle, Marilee Coughlin and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray.
Volk also recognized the government agencies and elected officials that provide funding for the Wellness Council, including the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board, the county Youth Board, Sen. Charles Fuschillo, McDonough, and county Legislators David Denenberg and Norma Gonsalves.
The Wellness Council offers programming for the schools and the community designed to reduce substance abuse.
