Now in its second year, the Future Business Leaders of America at Hampton Bays High School is continuing on with a healthy balance sheet, thanks to the support of local businesses and groups.

On Thursday, January 12, members of the club received a $1,000 donation from Kenneth G. Pagano of the Hampton Bays-based Allstate Insurance Company. Those in attendance to accept the donation included advisors Andrew and Eleni Fotopoulos, President Dan Martel, Treasurer Lexi Giannone and members Harry Fotopoulos, Shanna Healey, Megan Walker and Taylor Diffley.

Mr. Pagano, an avid supporter of the group who also donated last year, said that he is really proud of the “hands-on approach to the future” that club members have taken with the FBLA, and that by donating, he is merely showing his support for the community and a “great group of kids.”

Several local businesses and merchants have donated to the group, including Scotto’s Pork Store, Pooltastic, Buckley’s Inn Between, Skidmore’s Sports and Styles, and many more. Proceeds collected this year will go toward sending Hampton Bays FBLA members on an overnight field trip to Manhattan at the end of February. Scheduled stops on the trip will include tours of the Financial District, the Federal Reserve, the NYU Business Center and the musical How to Succeed in Business on Broadway.  

 “This [donation] opens up more opportunities to expand the club and explore the world of business,” said Ms. Giannone on the day of the check presentation.