WE CARE Fund

What is WE CARE?
The WE CARE Fund is the nationally-recognized charitable arm of the Nassau County Bar Association. Founded in 1988 by NCBA Past President Stephen Gassman, WE CARE funds are raised by the legal profession and the community at large. The money is distributed through charitable grants to improve the quality of life for children, the elderly and others in need throughout Nassau County.

Nurtured by the tireless efforts of lawyers and judges, the WE CARE program has matured into a nationally recognized model for similar programs instituted by other bar groups. With the financial support and personal effort of so many, WE CARE has been able to serve the community in myriad ways.  
 
Who We Help
Since its inception, the WE CARE Fund has raised more than $2 million that has gone directly to assist more than 100 charitable causes. Some who have benefitted from WE CARE include the Nassau County Girl Scouts; Education and Assistance Corporation; Nassau County Family Court Emergency Fund; Long Island Council of Churches; Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Mercy Haven; and Interfaith Nutrition Network to name but a few.
 
 
Annual Events

Childrens’ Holiday Festival 

Approximately 250 underserved children are invited to Domus for an afternoon of food and fun, DJ music and dancing, games, gifts and more! Money to fund this event comes from generous donations to WE CARE from the legal community and the community at large. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dressed to a Tea 

Attorneys, judges and others model the newest spring fashions for the audience at this annual event, which features tea sandwiches, and the chance to win some unique tea pots and other raffle gifts. Members donate gently used clothing which is then distributed to organizations to benefit those re-entering the workforce.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mets/Yankees Game – Groups of deserving children are treated to this classic professional baseball game, giving them an opportunity of a lifetime! Game tickets are purchased and donated through the generosity of lawyers and judges.
 
 
WE CARE Golf and Tennis Classic 

The annual golf and tennis tournament brings the legal community together for a day of fun and fundraising. This is the major WE CARE fundraising event, with net proceeds of close to $150,000. The money is distributed through grant requests to those in need in Nassau County.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Italian Feast 

Sponsored with the Columbian Lawyers, this annual festive event includes Italian culinary fare, served by distinguished judges and other members of the legal profession.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thanksgiving Luncheon

Local seniors who find themselves without close family on Thanksgiving are treated to a luncheon with all the trimmings at Domus, served by members of the Bar Association and their families. Food is provided courtesy of NCBA's in-house caterer, Quartz Caterer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gingerbread University 

Children of all ages decorate their own gingerbread houses. Upon successful completion of the course “curriculum,” which includes having fun, graduating students receive the highly desirable Degree in Gingerbreadology diploma. The proceeds are used to fund the many worthy projects of WE CARE, especially those servicing children. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant Application
To receive a printed application for WE CARE Grants, click here  or call Stephanie Pagano at 516-747-4070 x 230. To receive an electronic application and submit it by email, click here.
 
WE CARE Fund Grant Applications are considered twice a year, in early September and early April. The deadline for the two grant cycles are April 10 or the closest business day and September 10 or the closes business day.

Click here for Instructions for Completing the WE CARE Grant Application.

   
Donate Now
Donations may be made in honor of, or in memory of, an individual, or to mark a special occasion. Acknowledgement cards are sent to indicate a donation has been made. To make a donation to the WE CARE Fund now, click here.