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 $3 million that has gone directly to assist more than 100 charitable causes. Some who have benefited 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
Children’s Holiday Festival
Under-served 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mets/Yankees Game
Thanksgiving Luncheon
