Options for Community Living raises over $56K at murder mystery fundraising event

A Ronkonkoma-based community living organization hosted a unique fundraiser that was as exciting as it was successful.

This month’s “I Love the 80s to Death” event at Mulcahy’s Pub in Wantagh was the second immersive murder mystery fundraiser for Options for Community Living, Inc., an organization serving more than 2,200 adults and children annually through residential programs and services for adults recovering from mental illness, the unhoused, and other people in need.

The event raised over $56,000 to fund programs that help vulnerable adults, children, and families living on Long Island. The fundraiser’s entertainment was provided by the Murder Mystery Company, which was recently funded on “Shark Tank.”

Yolanda Robano-Gross, CEO at Options for Community Living, Inc. was grateful for the outpouring of support from donors and sponsors. “Your generous support helps people who are diagnosed with mental illness and other chronic illnesses live with dignity in the community and we are incredibly thankful,” she said.

A moving testimonial was provided by Paul Ferretti, who resides in Options housing and works for the agency providing peer services for others living with mental illness. Paul discussed his life full of “highs and lows” including recovery from substance use and a debilitating stroke.

“I didn’t have the drive or energy to pick up and start over again, but every step of the way — there was Options,” said Ferretti. “I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

Prizes were awarded for “Best Dressed,” “Best Detectives,” and “Worst Detectives” at the event, which also included a silent auction and raffle.

To learn more about Options for Community Living, Inc. and how you can support its mission,visit www.optionscl.org, or call a member of the Development Department at (631) 361-9020.