(From nassaucountyny.gov Press release 11/18/2014)
Mangano And Former U.S. Olympic Coach/Korean-American Businessman Present $4,000 Donation To The Safe Center LI
Pictured (left to right) are: Instructor Jason Aptekar; Former United States Olympic Coach/Korean-American Businessman Y.H. Park; Sandy Oliva, Co-Executive Director of the Safe Center LI; Cynthia Scott, Co-Executive Director of The Safe Center LI; County Executive Edward P. Mangano; Edward Park, Co-Director of NY Open; and Instructor David Zabransky.
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and former United States Olympic Coach/Korean-American Businessman Y.H. Park today donated $4,000 in proceeds from the Annual New York Open Taekwondo Championship/Korean Cultural Festival - held earlier this year - to The Safe Center LI. The Safe Center LI assists in saving and changing the lives of the victims of domestic or dating abuse, child abuse, and rape and sexual assault. The funds will be used to help replace furniture at the safe home for abused families.
“Y.H. Park understands that charity begins at home and I applaud him for his generosity and hope others follow this incredible example of giving,” said County Executive Mangano. “I have always believed that local organizations and businesses are the heart of our community, and this donation is a great illustration of giving back to the community."
“We are very honored to partner with Nassau County and County Executive Edward Mangano, in such a wonderful cultural festival that was able to bring people of all races and creed together,” said Y.H. Park. “It has always been a goal of our organization to give back to the community and we couldn’t be happier to donate to the Safe Center LI, which does amazing work to help those in need. Thank you to everyone who was a part of our event and we look forward to many more charitable events with County Executive Mangano."
Sandy Oliva and Cynthia Scott, Co-Executive Directors of The Safe Center LI, were on hand to accept the check on behalf of The Safe Center LI. The safe home which was last renovated in 1995 has been utilized by many individuals since then. The furniture and window coverings are worn out and need to be replaced and these funds will make that possible which will help create a comforting and uplifting environment for those individuals escaping violence at home.
“We are grateful to Mr. Park for his generosity and strong community spirit and thank him and County Executive Mangano on behalf of the women and children who will benefit from their support, said Sandy Oliva, Co-Executive Director of The Safe Center LI.
The 2014 New York Open TaeKwonDo Championships/Korean Cultural Festival consisted of competitions in forms, pairs forms, sparring, board breaking, weapons and Team Demo Competition.Over 350 competitors entered the championship tournament that included over 2,000 people in attendance. Highlighting this year’s event were amazing Korean Cultural performances and a showcase of National Level competitors during the Opening Ceremony. Nia Sanchez, Miss Nevada USA, made a special appearance. She is a fourth degreeblack beltinTaeKwonDo, which she began practicing when she was eight years old. This exciting sports and cultural event featured seminars prior to and during the festival, which included Korean style food, Korean cultural performances, the Korean Percussion team, a traditional Korean sushi making demonstration, plus much more. The event was recognized by the World TaeKwonDo Federation and sanctioned by the United States TaeKwonDo Leaders Union. In addition to being supported by Nassau County, the event was sponsored by Flushing Bank, The Korean Cultural Service of NY, AT Center of New York, Dynamics World, Korea Tourism Organization and Korean Cuisine Globalization Committee of East Coast, USA.
