John Staluppi and Atlantic Auto Group Host Gala Benefit for National Kidney Registry, a Fundraising Success and Honor

John Staluppi and two of his Atlantic Auto Group executives were honored for their contributions to the National Kidney Registry and other charitable work during a gala event so well attended by attendees it became standing room only

LONG ISLAND, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--John Staluppi and his company Atlantic Auto Group were recognized Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Second Annual Gala Reception Dinner for the benefit of the National Kidney Registry (NKR) for not only supporting the organization that matches donors with those needing kidney transplants, but also for their charitable contributions to the community at large.

“We wanted to give back and do something for the community and we chose this charity because we thought it was a good organization to support”

The proceeds from the benefit totaled more than $100,000 and will directly benefit the National Kidney Registry.

John Pickett and Michael Brown, Atlantic Auto Group Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, respectively, were honored for their altruistic efforts and their instrumental roles in generating widespread recognition of the NKR’s and raising funds for the organization.

Anthony Pancella III, President of Security Professionals, introduced both gentlemen by saying, “John Pickett and Michael Brown are principled businessmen at the top of their game, part of an auto group that is one of the top 10 in the nation and dedicated family men.” Mr. Pancella added that their efforts coupled with the unbelievable generosity of Atlantic Auto Group owner John Staluppi and his family prove that “big business can have a strong heart.”

During their speeches Mr. Brown and Mr. Pickett thanked their mentor John Staluppi and everyone attending the event, approximately 600 guests total. Mr. Brown explained how Atlantic Auto Group came to be involved with NKR.

“We wanted to give back and do something for the community and we chose this charity because we thought it was a good organization to support,” Mr. Brown said. “We punched that idea into overdrive when one of our Atlantic Auto Group family members was in need.” Jackie Maher-Brucia, one of Atlantic Auto Group’s hardest working employees according to many who made kind remarks on her behalf during their speeches, has been supporting the NKR and is now personally in need of a kidney transplant.

Mr. Brown added, “Not only is it an honor to work with the National Kidney Registry, but this is our passion to create as much recognition and support for this organization in Jackie’s honor.”

Mr. Pickett added to Mr. Brown’s remarks by saying, “Knowing how many people are affected by kidney disease and how they and their families must deal with its effects on a daily basis is inspiration to us both; it’s reason enough why we continue to work with the National Kidney Registry.”

Founder and President of the National Kidney Registry, Garet Hill, presented Mr. Pickett and Mr. Brown with plaques inscribed with the words, “Those who bring sunshine to others cannot keep it from themselves.”

In addition to its support of the NKR, Atlantic Auto Group was also recognized for its support of the following organizations: Huntington Hospital, Breast Cancer Help, Clarke Gillies Foundation, American Cancer Society, Pilot Club, Telecare, Make A Wish, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Jimmy Fund/Hope on Wheels, Wafer Family Foundation, Deborah Hospital Foundation, Babylon Lions, Boy & Girl Scouts of America, Rose Brucia Foundation to Prevent Childhood Abduction, Nassau & Suffolk Police Fraternal Organizations and the Town of Babylon Summer Recreation Program.

Many dignitaries were also present at the gala to show their support for Mr. Pickett, Mr. Brown and Atlantic Auto Group. They included: NYS Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos; NYS Senator Owen H. Johnson; Suffolk County Treasurer Angie Carpenter; Monsignor James Vlaun; Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan; Chairman of the Babylon Town Democratic Committee Robert Strickoff; Chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee John Jay LaValle; Judge Joseph A. Santorelli; Karin Hollander of the Make A Wish Foundation; Dave O’Brien of Hyundai Motor America and Jimmy Fund/Hope on Wheels; and Matthew Barbis of the Rose Brucia Foundation to Prevent Childhood Abduction.

For more information about Atlantic Auto Group or the National Kidney Registry, visit http://www.atlanticautogroup.net or call 631-321-0589.

About us:

Atlantic Auto Group treats every customer, whether visiting one of its dealerships online or in person, as a family member. Comprised of state-of-the-art facilities and No. 1-rated dealerships, Atlantic Auto Group continues to lead the way in building lifetime relationships with customers.

The National Kidney Registry’s mission is to save and improve the lives of people facing kidney failure by increasing the quality, speed and number of living donor transplants in the world.