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We Play It Forward Foundation gives voice to families battling diseases that steal memories and time — from Alzheimer’s to Sanfilippo Syndrome.

Because no one should face silence alone.

Where Fun Fuels Philanthropy

We Play It Forward Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our EIN is 33-4181243

Past Honorees

Dr. Robert Melillo

www.drrobertmelillo.com

iHeart Radio and WOR Radio Host Xen Sams

"Heartfelt Thanks
to our Major Sponsors"

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We bring people together through play—to honor memories, uplift families, and fuel hope in the fight against Sanfilippo syndrome.

Every swing and every laugh shared helps fund care, spark awareness, and remind us why we give: because love is never forgotten.

"Local Contributors"

It’s Greek to Me / Syosset

Paces Steak House / Smithtown

Kashi / Syosset

C & S Nails / Syosset

Venus Nails / Jericho

Outback Steakhouse / Westbury

Sunny Atlantic Beach Club / Atlantic Beach

Joyful Foot Spa / Plainview

National Event Connection / Bohemia

Wild Honey / Oyster Bay

Main Event / Plainview

Gusto Divino Trattoria / Seaford

Hama Sushi / Plainview

Dennys / Plainview

Gold Coast Kids / Jericho

MJ Beanz Toy Store / Plainview

Ask Alice / Syosset

Ray Leventhal Clothes / Plainview

Ambiance / Roslyn

Cold Spring Chiropractic / Syosset
Chris & Tonys / Syosset
Thom Thom Steak & Seafood / Wantagh
Laser Essentials by MaryAnn / Syosset
Mulberry Street / Jericho
Gusto Divino / Seaford

Ruth Chris / Garden City

Lia’s / Syosset

Hilltop Kitchen & Bar / Syosset

Jerrie Shop / Woodbury

Butera’s / Syosset

Bens Deli / Woodbury

Jennifer Ann Cosmetics / Syosset

Stow & Behold

Salon Entourage / Syosset

Allison Yaris Interiors

Champion Limo / Plainview

Besito / Huntington

The Farm Italy / Huntington

PAST EVENTS

Spotlight Family

Carrie & Haidyn Fowler - Advocates for awareness, research, and hope through Haidyn’s Hope and the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation

www.instagram.com/haidynshope

GREAT CAUSES

We are proud to sponsor these charities in 2026:

Alzheimer's Foundation of America

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.

Learn More: https://alzfdn.org/

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Learn More: https://www.alz.org/longisland

Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin is a mission-based, non-profit healthcare organization dedicated to serving the needs of our residents. Our team is united by a desire to make a difference in the lives of older adults, and is imbued with a commitment to treat every resident as if they are their very own family member.

Learn More: https://gurwin.org/memory-care/

The Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center

The Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, established in 1956, serves Nassau and western Suffolk Counties. More than 20,000 members and patrons benefit from the valuable programs and services we offer to the community. We are a UJA-Federation agency and provide more than $225,000 in scholarships to families in need. The Mid-Island Y JCC is a center for personal growth, family strength and community cohesion.

Learn More: https://miyjcc.org/

The Suffolk Y JCC

We are proud to help our neighbors learn, grow, and thrive in both expected and unexpected ways. With each day, our community faces new challenges. SYJCC is here to accommodate everyone within the community to come together to embrace the change. We are poised to address community issues with innovative and impactful programs that deliver measurable and lasting outcomes. Because we open our doors to all – no matter who they are or where they come from -SYJCC can help our communities be so much more when we come together.

Learn More: https://syjcc.org/

Cure Sanfilippo Foundation

We have a clear mission: to advocate for and fund research that could give children with Sanfilippo syndrome a chance at a better life by finding a treatment or cure for the disease. Cure Sanfilippo Foundation is a place to join with other parents and families going through the same thing, and be part of changing the fate for children with Sanfilippo. We do this together, primarily through advocacy, spreading awareness, and fundraising. We believe that working together creates exponential power and opportunity to find a treatment or cure for Sanfilippo.

Learn More: https://curesanfilippofoundation.org/

ABOUT US

We Play It Forward Foundation was born from love, legacy, and a shared desire to turn compassion into action. Our journey began with a single, heartfelt mission — to lift families touched by Alzheimer’s and create joyful experiences that fuel meaningful philanthropy.

Through golf, music, and play, we rallied a community around Alzheimer’s awareness and support — proving that fun can truly fund change. But as our platform grew, so did our purpose. Today, We Play It Forward amplifies the voices of families and causes that are too often unheard — those facing rare, devastating, and life-altering diseases.

In 2025, our focus turns to Sanfilippo Syndrome, often called “childhood Alzheimer’s,” through a partnership with the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation and families like Carrie Fowler and her daughter. Their courage mirrors the same spirit that first inspired us — love, resilience, and hope for a cure. Our foundation now stands as a bridge between compassion and capacity — giving small organizations and brave families a national voice through our events, our media partners, and our ever-growing community of supporters.