Leading the change

By Nikolas Burts

“Be the hope. Be the hero. Be there. We will.”

That’s the motto that Contractors for Kids stands by.

CFK is a nonprofit run by Long Island business owners who fundraise to help families in need of financial assistance because of the illness or death of a child. Contractors for Kids helps cover families’ bills and more for those with children younger than 18 in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The group’s vision is “simple”: “One family at a time, we need to make sure that the financial hardship brought on by a sick child does not destroy an already hurt family.”

While the Islandia-based CFK is not well known, it has helped many people on the Island by covering medical bills and home bills, funerals and other costs needed to assist a child or family during a time of need. In the past, CFK has bought vans for those who cannot use a standard car for transportation.

Founded in 2005, CFK fundraises through is its annual golf outing, which this year will take place June 12 at the Woodside Club in Muttontown. Events like this are important because, as CFK President Steven DeLuca said, “Sometimes people who attend end up receiving help from CFK, as they may have family in need of financial help or know someone who does that is struggling.”

The golf outing allows those interested in the organization to raise or donate money by buying tickets to attend the event, which many Long Island businesses have taken part in.

If a loved one of yours or someone you may know needs help and is under age 18, the organization is accepting applications for assistance, and will help when and where it can.