by Danielle Golden Giglio
The Johnny Mac Foundation Gala honoring Bayport-Blue Point Library took place in February. Every year this foundation chooses an honoree that matches closely with its mission of building a community center in Blue Point. It was an easy choice this year since the library is the cornerstone of our towns and soon will be expanding programs when they move to the grounds of the old St. Ursuline Convent.
The Gala is a glamorous event and everyone is encouraged to get dressed up with ball gowns and tuxedos. After an informative presentation there was plenty of time for dancing, laughing and fun in the photo booth.
Jennifer McNamara, founder and president of the Johnny Mac Foundation, said, “I am not sure who was more excited – us to honor the library or them to get the honor. And they deserved every moment of the standing ovation they received that night.”
The Johnny Mac Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based on the idea of Jennifer’s husband, John, a city firefighter who passed from 9/11 related illness, to create a place in Blue Point where everyone in the community could go, especially children.
Jennifer said, “I think that our library provides that and is incredibly important. It is not just going there to get a book, it provides so many different services and programs, from getting a passport to cooking classes.” It is very clear to her that the staff of the library cares about and loves our community.
The Bayport-Blue Point Library and the Johnny Foundation have formed a partnership and are working together to bring even more programs into the community.
According to library director Mike Firestone, The Johnny Mac Foundation has always been a huge supporter of the library – helping with fundraisers and even sharing in the expense of the story-walk in the Blue Point Nature Preserve. He said, “It was a great honor to be recognized by an organization like theirs. They do such good work in the community.”
Excited for the library’s move into their new eight acre campus, Ronnie Devine, library board president, is happy with the partnership they have formed with the Johnny Mac Foundation. “We are going continue with them when we move to co-host many fun and interesting events for everyone.”
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