Message from the Founder

Dawn Strain

President, DJS Events

Founder, Long Island Elite

It feels like yesterday when I called my friends Rob Basso and Jeff Cohen about this unique idea I had, meshing networking and charity while filling a void in the Long Island business community. Now 18 years later, we are giving the largest donations in the organization’s history and making an incredible impact on Long Island nonprofits.

I am so proud of how the Long Island Elite (LIE) has evolved. We have donated funds to over 85 local charities, passed millions of dollars in business between members, and most importantly, grown lasting and profound relationships within the organization. As I look to the future with the incredible new leadership team, to the $80,000 that we gave to our 2017 charity partner LIAF and the $100,000 to our 2018 Charity Partner ACLD, I know the LIE has only scratched the surface. The efforts of our members will impact the Long Island community for years to come.

This year’s theme is based on the glamourous world of Bollywood. Join us as we transport you to experience the beauty and majesty of this vibrant culture and its cinematic history. From their small towns to luxurious cities and incredibly passionate people, Indian cinema brings a unique blend of entertainment, music, dancing and romance that ignites the heart and touches the soul.

I hope you will join us on October 17, 2019, for our “Bollywood Masquerade”, an evening of majesty celebrating 18 years of accomplishments and benefiting the 2019 Charity Partner—Long Island Reach.