Festival Beneficiaries

The ELIJA Farm is a sustainable, non-profit farm in South Huntington, NY committed to using environmentally responsible practices to raise high quality produce. The ELIJA Farm CSA (community supported agriculture) is dedicated to enriching the health and wellness of our community through dynamic learning opportunities to its diverse membership.

With rich soil and responsible growing practices, we provide an abundance of fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers to dozens of local families and organizations. Our vegetables are hand-picked, hand-tended, carefully cultivated, and harvested for peak nutrition and flavor.

ELIJA Farm is unique in being a non-profit farm. All revenue from our CSA and other farm related activities help support innovative, farm-based learning experiences for differently-abled persons, and our Long Island community.

​The "Pave the Way to Employment 2025" campaign by ELIJA (Empowering Long Island’s Journey through Autism) is a community-driven initiative aimed at creating meaningful job opportunities for young adults and adults with Autism. Running throughout April for Autism Acceptance Month, the campaign seeks to fund employment for four individuals with Autism during ELIJA Farm’s 18-week summer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Participants will engage in various farm activities, including planting, harvesting, and preparing weekly produce shares for local families.

Donations directly support wages for these employees, with contributions of $16.50 funding one hour of work and $2,970 covering an entire season for one farmer. Supporters receive tokens of appreciation, such as ELIJA Farm T-shirts, engraved walkway pavers, or the opportunity to name a farm chicken, depending on the donation amount. This campaign not only fosters independence and skill development for individuals with autism but also strengthens community connections.

To contribute or learn more, visit the official campaign page: Click Here To Go To Campaign Page


 

The Michael Magro Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was established in January 2005 to honor Mike’s life. The efforts of the Foundation started with, the pediatric cancer patients and their families at the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Winthrop-University Hospital as well as to other NYU Winthrop pediatric specialties where the treatment of chronic diseases is ongoing because that is where Mike was treated for his leukemia.

Additionally, the Foundation awards two scholarships each year; One an academic and sports scholarship is awarded, through the Hicksville High School Scholarship program to a student excelling in academics and sports; the other is a culinary scholarship endowed for a senior entering Culinary School.

The mission of the Michael Magro Foundation is to better the lives of children with cancer, pediatric cancer survivors, and their families, as well as other chronic pediatric illnesses.