JULY 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 77
40 YEARS AGO, Long Island lost one of our
neighbors who, Newsday called, “one of the
most important Long Islanders of
the 20th Century”.
Through his music, stories, live performances
and social activism, HARRY CHAPIN
was
credited with influencing the song, “We Are the
World.” Some have stated that Harry Chapin
also inspired USA for Africa and Live Aid. We
also know that he founded two organizations,
WHY Hunger and Long Island Cares, Inc.,
along with the 1977 Presidential Commission on
Hunger under former President Jimmy Carter.
On July 16, 1981 while thousands of his fans
gathered in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow for
one of his many free concerts to raise awareness
of hunger, Harry Chapin died in an automobile
accident on the Long Island Expressway.
Forty
years later, Harry Chapin’s legacy continues
through the work of our organization.
For forty years, Harry’s fans continue to
contribute to our work in many ways. His words
about ending hunger still resonate with our
staff, volunteers, donors and fellow musicians
like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel,Dee Snyder
and Darryl ‘Run DMC’ McDaniels who have
all supported Long Island Cares, Inc.-The Harry
Chapin Regional Food Bank.
Although we will never know just how successful
Harry would have been if he were still alive,
we do know that he would be very proud
of the work that Long Island Cares
continues to do to support our
neighbors in need and to carry
on his legacy.
Dave Cassaro
President
Paule Pachter
CEO
Sandy Chapin
Chairperson
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS ASSISTANCE,
PLEASE CALL US AT 631.582.FOOD (3663)
www.licares.org | 631.582.3663
/www.licares.org
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