As the saying goes, “it takes a village,” and nothing is more appropriate to describe the efforts of all those who contributed to this year’s record-breaking success of the Island Harvest Golf Classic & Pickleball Tournament, where American Global Founder & CEO Michael Marino was celebrated as the 2026 Honoree.
Fundraising for the event was spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Phillip Beyer from Bancker Construction and Anthony Vero of Aurora Contractors, who served as co-chairs for the 2026 Golf Committee. Setting the tone early, the committee, which included Michael Marino, as well as staff, members and long-time supporters of Island Harvest, focused on expanding the outing to increase revenue opportunities, which is exactly what they achieved.
Golf sponsorships at the renowned Creek Club sold out quickly, as did the 32-person pickleball tournament. Additional support—more than three times last year’s total—came from an exciting lineup of high-value live auction items which will further benefit Island Harvest’s hunger relief and social services programs. Attendees also gave generously to the Kids Weekend Backpack Feeding Program, highlighted by the honoree’s six-year-old son, Leo Marino, offering to donate all the money in his piggy bank to the cause! At Island Harvest, even the smallest of donations make a difference. A single dollar will provide two meals for someone in need and for $300, you can provide a child and their family with food for the weekends, throughout an entire school year. With gratitude for everyone who contributed, total fundraising for the 2026 outing was 30% higher than any prior year.
Michael Marino said, “I was grateful to be honored by Island Harvest. However, it is Island Harvest and their dedicated partners who should truly be celebrated. The tremendous work they do, year-round, to help feed and support those in need is vital to improving the lives of our neighbors and the fabric of our community. I am thankful and proud that my family, my firm, and my colleagues regularly support Island Harvest’s mission through donations, sponsorships and/or volunteerism. Our commitment to ‘give back’ is a core part of our foundation and Island Harvest is most deserving of that continued support. Working with others exceeding our highest fundraising goal, together with the help of so many others, made the event an even greater experience.”
Brian Leidy, Chief Development Officer for Island Harvest said, “The outing was not only a record-breaking fundraiser but also a meaningful opportunity to bring together supporters, partners, friends, and family around Island Harvest's mission.” He went on to thank Michael and co-chairs Phillip and Anthony, adding “The generosity inspired by your involvement will have a lasting impact on countless Long Island families facing food insecurity. Thank you for embracing our mission as your own and for helping create such a memorable and impactful event.” Randi Shubin Dresner, Island Harvest President & CEO echoed those sentiments, saying, “We have accomplished all these things because of the three of you. We are truly grateful.”
To donate, volunteer or find out more about Island Harvest and the services they offer—or, if you are in need of assistance—please visit: www.islandharvest.org.
American Global is one of the largest privately held insurance and surety brokerage firms in the U.S. specializing in all aspects of construction risk management. We support contractors, owners, and developers throughout the entire scope of their project and across every milestone of their business, protecting against the risks and exposures specific to the construction industry. American Global has multiple offices across the United States, as well as Canada, England, and Italy, to serve clients throughout North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
