Brecknock Hall announces winners of 5th Annual Veterans Wedding Giveback
(Long Island, NY) Peconic Landing and Brecknock Hall are excited to announce the winners of the 5th Annual Veterans Wedding Giveback.
Robert Surozenski of the United States Marine Corps and Sara LeDonne of California were selected as the winning couple. Robert Surozenski, a Southold native, is currently on his third deployment overseas in Japan. The duo found out the good news during a Skype session Tuesday morning. See video here: http://www.brecknockhall.com/veterans-day-wedding-giveback/.
Robert Surozenski of the United States Marine Corps and Sara LeDonne of California were selected as the winning couple of the 5th Annual Veterans Wedding Giveback. Photo Credit: Brecknock Hall.
The couple met while Surozenski was stationed in San Diego and later enjoyed a small wedding ceremony in California. Because they were not able to celebrate with the majority of their family and friends, they applied for the Veterans Wedding Giveback.
“I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, having been brought up on the North Fork; to have the opportunity to come back out there and spend the day with my family and marry the woman that I love, I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity,” said Surozenski. “Thank you so much for having this contest. It is really a great thing that you are doing for people.”
Surozenski’s wife Sara said, “We can’t even believe it, I have no words. I am so thrilled and excited…I really appreciate the fact that my husband gets the opportunity to have the wedding of his dreams with his family.”
Sponsored by Peconic Landing, the annual Veterans Wedding Giveback began in 2011 as an opportunity to thank our military personnel and recognize them for their service. Now in its 5th year it has become a community affair, made possible through sponsorship and contributions from local businesses and organizations who donate the time, talents and services that help to make the dream day a reality.
“We are excited to be a part of their wedding celebration and show our appreciation for the sacrifices that they make,” said Robert J. Syron, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peconic Landing. “This annual event wouldn’t be possible without the participation of area businesses and vendors. It is a wonderful showing of community support.”
The winning couple was chosen by a panel of four of Peconic Landing’s veteran residents who judged the contest based on the number of years served, special military honors, and each individual couple’s personal love story.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to give them this opportunity,” said William Moller, one of the voting veterans. “He served on the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) at Southold High School, and it is nice to see that he continued on that path.”
The wedding will take place Sunday, November 8, 2015 in celebration of Veteran’s Day and will accommodate up to 80 guests.
An estimated $60,000 worth of services and in-kind donations are donated each year. Vendors who have committed to the 5th Annual Veterans Wedding Giveback so far include: A Flippin Good Time, Allison G. Pressler Professional Skin Care, American Tent Company, Caroline Rocchetta Photography, Chaps Corner, Christopher Michael Catering, East End Expressions, Fantasia Bridal, Fire Monkey Hair Design, Front Street Station, NY Tent, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Greenporter, Ivy League Flowers, Kim Jon Designs, Leanne’s Custom Cakes, Macari Vineyards, Polywoda Beverage, Moments In Time Floral Designs, Moriches Main Street Florists, MVP DJ & Entertainment, Reverend Sarah Margaret, Ross Schaudel Catering, Serenity Farm Table Rentals, Southold Fish Market, Special Effects and Vines & Branches. Harbor Bridal of Cold Spring Harbor will be donating the bridal gown.
North & South Fork Weddings and Times/Review Media Group have signed on as sponsors of the event with additional vendors and sponsors still being sought out. Those wishing to contribute can contact Valerie Tirelli, Brecknock Sales & Events Coordinator at info@brecknockhall.com.
Peconic Landing is an innovative, not-for-profit CCAC-CARF-accredited continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located on the waterfront in Greenport, N.Y., on the North Fork of Long Island. Among its long list of achievements, Peconic Landing is the only equity-based LifeCare community in the state of New York. It is a member of LeadingAge and LeadingAge New York and embraces a healthy, active lifestyle infused with a sense of exploration, creativity and generosity of spirit.
