(GLEN COVE, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) joined with the leaders of the not-for-profit organization First City Project (FCP) Collective Inc. at its historic Coles House headquarters on Thursday, July 13 to present local first responders with donations raised during their recent “Autostrade” event.
The return of First City Project’s “Autostrade” – which filled downtown Glen Cove Village Square with live music by Ray’s No Quitter and an extravagant showcase of vintage, exotic, and ultraluxury supercars – raised $15,000 for the City of Glen Cove’s first responders on Thursday, June 15. The Glen Cove Police Department, Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department, Glen Cove Auxiliary Police Department, Glen Cove Harbor Patrol, and the Glen Cove EMS Squad each received a $3,000 donation.
“It is so wonderful that our community always rallies around the brave men and women who do so much to keep us all safe on a daily basis,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “The outpouring of support for our first responders was so moving, and I thank everyone who helped to make the return of Autostrade to downtown Glen Cove such a tremendous success!”
Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton serves on the board of First City Project, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to develop public art and cultural activities to celebrate the Glen Cove community, bring positivity, unity, and color to the streets, and engage the town’s youth through parks, recreation, and creative programs. First City Project Collective Inc. aims to enhance the community, to strengthen economic development; drive tourism; educate and enrich the spirit and pride of Long Island.
In previous years, Autostrade was held weekly, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, to benefit the Glen Cove Fire Department. Organizer Joe LaPadula, who is the President of First City Project, resurrected the event in 2023 and retooled it to raise funds for all of Glen Cove’s first responders.
“The aura was incredible – the vibe that evening was very energetic. We are grateful for the outpouring of support that made this event such a huge success,” LaPadula said.
Key sponsors of Autostrade 2023 included Martino Auto Concepts, Ryan Friedman Motor Cars, Rally Point East, Autostrada 187 and Rallye BMW.
PHOTO CAPTION – Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton and First City Project board members join with City of Glen Cove elected officials and leaders of Glen Cove’s first responder agencies at Coles House on Friday, July 14.
PHOTO CREDIT – Photos by Peter M. Budraitis