In this Nov. 11, 2018 photo, veterans are honored during the Long Island Nets game at Nassau Coliseum. (Photo: Kostas Lymperopoulos)
Island Hopping

Long Island Nets to honor vets and assist housing nonprofit

The Long Island Nets will honor local veterans at its second annual Military Appreciation Game on Sunday, Nov. 17, which will also raise money for a nonprofit that helps Long Island homeowners in need.

In their matchup against the Windy City Bulls at NYCB LIVE, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Nets will wear military-themed jerseys that feature the logo of Rebuilding Together Long Island, a nonprofit that assists income-qualified homeowners by improving the safety and health of their homes and revitalizing their communities.

The special jerseys will be auctioned off during the game with all proceeds going to Rebuilding Together Long Island.

“We’re honored and humbled to be a part of this wonderful celebration of our past and present military members and we thank them for their service and for their many sacrifices,” Stella Hendrickson, president of Rebuilding Together Long Island, said in a written statement. “Rebuilding Together Long Island is proud to be recognized for our work and the small part we play in keeping our veterans safe and warm in their homes.”

Bank of America will also honor Rebuilding Together Long Island and their service for military veterans with a charitable contribution during the first timeout of the third quarter in a special on-court presentation.

Bank of America and the Nets will continue their Vet of the Game presentations, an in-game moment at 22 of the team’s home games where a veteran will be recognized for their service on-court with a special gift.

“Bank of America is honored for the second year to partner with the Long Island Nets and their tribute to veterans and active duty service members,” Bob Isaksen, Bank of America’s Long Island market president, said in the statement. “Supporting our military, their spouses and families has been a part of our company’s efforts since 1920; and since 2014, we’ve hired close to 10,000 service members. Additionally, we work with nonprofits like Rebuilding Together Long Island and help fund programs that ensure military veterans have safe and well maintained homes.” 

Following the conclusion of Sunday night’s game, the Nets will host their first Fan Fest of the season where fans can interact with Long Island Nets players and the team’s mascot, Dale the Eagle.