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When Long Islanders see someone in need, they don’t hesitate to help.
From families battling cancer to communities recovering from devastating fires, Suffolk and Nassau residents have shown remarkable generosity across 2025.
GoFundMe’s latest “Year in Help” report highlights just how giving Long Islanders can be, naming New York the fifth most generous state in the nation by percentage of repeat donors.
GoFundMe says in its annual report that 2.5 donations were made every second on average worldwide this year.
Long Island’s big heart
Here are 10 of the most notable fundraisers on Long Island this year:
Support Happy Cat Sanctuary After Tragic Fire
Raised: Over $859,025
Description: A beloved Long Island animal sanctuary was devastated by fire, and the community stepped up to rebuild and care for the cats.
Support Scarlett Parry’s Battle with Brain Cancer
Raised: $238,360
Description: Friends and neighbors rallied to support Scarlett Parry and her family through her challenging cancer treatment.
Help the DeRosa Family Fight Brain Cancer
Raised: $178,520
Description: Ongoing fundraising for the DeRosa family as they navigate the costs and challenges of brain cancer treatment for father Michael DeRosa.
Help Éowyn Shine Through Her Cancer Fight
Raised: $165,664
Description: Six-year-old Éowyn and her family received tremendous support from the Long Island community during her courageous cancer battle
Help Michael Hyland and His Family
Raised: $146,551
Description: Fundraiser to aid injured Nassau County Police Officer Michael Hyland and his family during a difficult period of medical and financial hardship.
Help Support Timothy After Unimaginable Loss
Raised: $123,365
Description: Friends and neighbors rallied to help young Timothy recover from the devastating loss of his mother.
Support Seth Kurpiel’s Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
Raised: $140,378
Description: The Long Island community came together to help Seth Kurpiel access treatment and rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury.
Massapequa family of 5 loses everything in house fire
Raised: $107,068
Description: Local residents helped a Massapequa family recover after a fire destroyed their home.
The Holtslag Family
Raised: $111,704
Description: Fundraising to support the Holtslag family in the face of health and financial challenges, stemming from the devastating loss of Caitlin McIntyre Holtslag.
Help Peter David’s Family
Raised: $149,414
Description: Neighbors and friends came together to help Peter David’s family during a difficult time after his death.
Global Giving
On Long Island and across the globe, GoFundMe users raised funds for everything from natural disaster relief to supporting young athletes, school supplies and nonprofits.
In 2025, the platform enabled $330 million in natural disaster relief, more than 95,000 donors supported young athletes, and fundraising for essential expenses rose by 20%, the platform reported.
GoFundMe reported that it has helped raise more than $40 billion since 2010, with support going to 165,000 nonprofits.
Top: Long Island fundraiser photos courtesy of GoFundMe
