Dr. Calabro Lodge to honor NYS Senator Dean Murray and NYS Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano

Get ready to be inspired! The Dr. Calabro Lodge, the newest beacon of hope from the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America on Long Island, is igniting futures once again, fulfilling its profound mission to empower deserving local students through life-changing scholarships.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening! The Dr. Calabro Lodge #3011 in Mastic Beach warmly invites the entire community to a truly special fundraising gala on February 1, 2026. Join them as they proudly honor the remarkable dedication and service of NYS Senator Dean Murray and NYS Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. "This isn't just a fundraiser; it's our annual Scholarship Gala, a magnificent "Celebration of Life and Learning," destined to unfold amidst the beautiful ambiance of Sunset Harbour in East Patchogue" says President Leonardo Saburro.

"Just one year into our journey in 2024, the Dr. Calabro Lodge was blessed with the incredible honor and good fortune of awarding six scholarships, setting six bright young students on their educational paths," shares President Leonardo Saburro, his voice brimming with pride. "But in 2025, our hearts soared even higher! Our audacious goal was to exponentially grow that number, and thanks to our incredible community, we achieved it – triumphantly awarding a grand total of eighteen (18) scholarships! Sixteen (16) futures were brightened for William Floyd High School graduating seniors, and two (2) for outstanding eighth-grade graduates of Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Center Moriches. We didn't just triple the number of scholarships; we also tripled the dollar amount of each, multiplying the impact!" Saburro passionately continues, "Now, as we look ahead to 2026, our resolve is stronger than ever. We've set our sights on reaching even more students, increasing the number of scholarships we'll award once again. The Dr. Calabro Lodge is 100% committed to our community, and we are profoundly proud of every accomplishment we've achieved thus far – together!"

In 2023, a profound act of remembrance gave birth to the "Anthony Stinson Memorial Scholarship." This scholarship honors the vibrant spirit of a 13-year-old boy from Shirley, whose bright light was tragically dimmed too soon. "To keep Anthony's legacy shining brightly and his memory alive," President Saburro explains, "our memorial scholarship is awarded yearly to graduating 8th graders from Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Center Moriches, empowering them to pursue their education at a Catholic High School, and to graduating seniors from the William Floyd School District embarking on their college journey." He adds, "In 2024, our dedication grew even further! Alongside the 'Anthony Stinson Memorial Scholarship,' we proudly established the “Dr. Calabro Lodge Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Scholarship” and the “Dr. Calabro Lodge Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Frank Calabro”, bringing our total impact to an incredible eighteen (18) scholarships!"

Our lodge proudly bears the name of Dr. Frank Calabro, a true pillar of the Mastic Beach community. He was the embodiment of a country doctor, a familiar and comforting sight making house calls in his distinguished big black car, touching countless lives. In 1947, "Doc Senior" realized his lifelong dream, opening Bayview Hospital at the former Lawson Estate and doubling its capacity to serve. His son, Frank, continued this legacy of healing as a doctor in the area, and Brookhaven’s Calabro Airport stands as a testament to his impact. "We yearned to name our lodge after someone deeply cherished and widely remembered in the community, and Dr. Calabro perfectly fit that esteemed description," Saburro shares, highlighting that the doctor’s granddaughter, Victoria Calabro-Mortimer, is a valued member of the organization's board.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America stands as a testament to enduring heritage and powerful community, the largest and oldest national organization for men and women of Italian descent in the United States. Founded in 1905 by the visionary Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro as a mutual aid society for early Italian immigrants, it has blossomed into a vibrant family with thousands of members across all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Today, it proudly leads the charge as the premier service and advocacy organization for the nation's estimated 26 million people of Italian heritage, continually building bridges and fostering dreams.