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Another year of great work in the books! We may have been a little quiet on social media but we were certainly hard at work with our beloved organizations to make an impact. Additionally, 310 Bowery has invited us back to host a foundation happy hour! Let’s make it easy, have fun, and remember why we do what we do. Dave would be proud of your generosity and kindness throughout these years. Keep reading and sign up for our Spring Event!
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Marine Science Adventure Camp, Saving The Bay| Summer 2025
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Our collaboration keeps running strong with the Center of Environmental Education and Discovery (CEED), Friends of the Bellport Bay (FOBB), and the Boys and Girls Club of Bellport to continue the Marine Science Adventure Camp, “Saving The Bay”. Our generous donation of just over $5,000 went a long way! Planting oysters restores essential ecosystem functions to the bay, primarily acting as natural water filters that remove excess nitrogen, algae, and pollutants. Our campers helped FoBB achieve a total of over six million oysters and shellfish planted in the Bay, significantly enhancing our local ecosystem. Planting oysters is a major focus of the camp but absolutely not the only focus. Keep reading!
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FoBB Co-founder Thomas Schultz and Education Director Maria Slavnov shared insights about the history and significance of the Great South Bay, emphasizing the importance of restoring our shellfish population for the health of the ecosystem. |
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These brave campers collected and identified marine vertebrates and invertebrates at Mother's Beach in Bellport using seine nets. Campers collected several species using seine nets which included mummichogs, Atlantic silversides, blue and green crabs, American eel, northern puffer, and striped burrfish. The animals that were caught were notated into FoBB‘s Bellport Bay Species Guides and then released. |
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Have you heard of an oyster reef ball? The eco-friendly, concrete-based structures serve as templates for artificial reefs, providing substrate on the bay bottom to create habitat and shelter for oyster larvae and various marine species. Campers crafted their own mini reef balls with FoBB Co-founder Katia Read and board member Rae Specht during the workshop at the Boys and Girls Club in Bellport. |
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Camp concluded with a week of research followed by a presentation on a marine topic of their choice. Camper’s compiled research from their hands on experience during camp, utilized the internet, brainstormed together, and created their own design layouts on poster board. These posters are on display during the Boys and Girls Club Student Showcase. WELL DONE CAMPERS! |
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Bellport High School Grant Recipients| 2025
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Congratulations to two of Bellport High School’s student athletes, Sandra Davis-Bailey and Daniel Romero Ayala, for being the fourth set of recipients to receive the David M. Duffy Jr. Foundation Scholarship grant. Follow us on social media and look out for future emails so you do not miss updates on these amazing recipients!
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The foundation’s commitment, your donation, helps to continue DREAM’s mission to ensures that all young people recognize their potential and realize their dreams. DREAM’s commitment to their students and communities throughout the year is profound. Our donation specifically goes toward a DREAM summer for more than 1,900 students. DREAM was able to provide 21 unique sports and enrichment offerings last summer. “Together, we are building brighter futures — one team, one child at a time.” - DREAM
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DREAM’s 5 week summer program, aka The DREAM Summer, continues the support each student receives during the school year through the summer. This past summer DREAM students reading proficiency increased 20 percentage points and 10 percentage points in math proficiency on average. This is a huge win in learning loss prevention as students in the U.S. lose 39% of their school year gains during the summer. It is not just about academics. DREAM truly cares about their communities’ overall health. That is why they offer free sports-summer programming for grades PK-7. |
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The foundation is proud to sponsor the REAL KIDS, PK-4th, age group. Specifically the Tarheels Team! We are impressed that their summer program has a strong focus on tackling mathematical solutions and ELA. By providing support, not only are they are able to engage in academic and athletic activities, but our team is also provided with healthy meals to keep their energy up! GO HEELS! |
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Recent studies have shown that nearly 100% of DREAM students live below the poverty line. 27% of which are special needs. Thank YOU for helping us support and care for a community that needs it. We are truly supporting a “home away from home”. By donating to these early education programs more children will WANT to finish school and can DREAM big. Take a look at these results: DREAM School has a 98% graduation rate. 2 out of 3 students made social and emotional gains. Every year DREAM students outperform district, city, and state peer’s test results.
Truly incredible! |
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Harlem Lacrosse| 2025 “A Child’s opportunities in lacrosse and education shouldn’t be limited to their zip code or their tax bracket.” -Joel Censor, Chief Pathing Officer HLNY
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We are grateful to emulate Dave’s passion for lacrosse and desire to promote students athletes. He would be so honored and proud that we were able to commit to a two year grant to Harlem Lacrosse NY once again. Our $20,000 grant ($10k in 2024 and $10k in 2025) reflects in the experiences the student athletes are able to have. HLNY welcomed five new program directors, participated in the PLL championship weekend, traveled to Philadelphia for UPenn Play Day, and visited Connecticut College for a campus tour and regional scrimmage. |
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Both Harlem Lacrosse boys and Frederick Douglass Academy girls (supported by HL) participated in the University Lacrosse (ULAX) Championship. |
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Why Lacrosse? “Individually, lacrosse develops physical, emotional and relational strength. Globally, lacrosse brings together people, resources and passion. We believe this sport can be harnessed for equitable youth development.” -HLNY Impact Report |
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310 Bowery Bar| April 29, 2026|4:30-7:30PM
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We hope you can join us on April 29th to catch up, raise some money, and toast in Dave’s honor!! We had great success form those who were able to and not able to join at the last happy hour. Let’s make this long awaited event better than ever! |
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The David M. Duffy Jr. Foundation
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