Canine Companions For Independence Supported By Hofstra Alums

Two Hofstra University alumni recently combined their commitment to Long Island nonprofits by providing renewed support to five community and education organizations that are addressing fundraising, operation and volunteer concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

James C. Metzger is founder, chairman and CEO of Whitmore Agency, a leading Long Island insurance brokerage and financial services firm headquartered in Garden City. He supports community, athletic and education programs on Long Island and throughout the New York City metropolitan area. E. David Woycik is a retired United States Army colonel and a senior trial partner concentrating on personal injury, construction, highway design and toxic torts at Sanders, Sanders Block, Woycik, Viener & Grossman, P.C. of Mineola. He volunteers and supports many organizations in the local community.

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Photo: Lance Corporal and Machine Gunner Matias Ferreira was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan during 2011. He sustained bilateral below the knee amputations and a pelvic fracture. Today, Ferreira is a Suffolk County police officer and a close friend of Woycik.

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In honor of Woycik's volunteer commitment on Long Island, Metzger is sharing a total of six figures in financial support to five Long Island organizations identified by Woycik. One nonprofit beneficiary is Canine Companions For Independence in Medford.

“This is a difficult time for all of us,” said Metzger, “for our seniors, our children, our businesses, and ourselves and our careers. Nonprofits support our communities in many ways that include providing our children with guidance, giving a helping hand to veterans and others in need, and supporting students to advance their education. The current health care crisis also has affected the operations of our local charities and educational institutions, curtailing some of the vital services on which so many depend. Whitmore Agency wishes to lend a hand and, at the same time, salute a close friend who has honorably served our country and is associated with each of these organizations. David has demonstrated a true commitment to the people of Long Island. For many years, he has been an active supporter of many organizations.”

The additional local organizations to receive support are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, America's VetDogs, Hofstra University Athletics and Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law.

Enhancing Lives With Assistance Dogs

Canine Companions enhances the lives of people with disabilities, including veterans, by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. The assistance dogs create new opportunities and new possibilities for people that lead to increased independence and confidence.

CCI recently instituted a program for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Woycik started a Veteran Initiative Program (VIP) to recognize veterans from conflicts that occurred during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the War Against Terrorism. This annual Veterans Day salute has raised more than $500,000 to support the puppies/dogs programs for deserving veterans. The Miller Family Campus is located at 286 Middle Island Road in Medford (631-561-0200).

Woycik received his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate degree from Hofstra University. He was a member of the varsity lacrosse team and the Crown & Lance Fraternity. As past-president of the Hofstra Alumni Organization, Mr. Woycik was instrumental in instituting Alumni Appreciation Day for all alumna to donate their time and/or resources to the university.

Colonel Woycik served overseas in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm and recently for Operation Enduring Freedom in the War Against Terrorism. He is a well-decorated soldier and has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Ribbon. He is married to Carolyn Sanchez from Los Angeles and they reside in Garden City, New York.

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Mike Virgintino is the author of Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History, the story about America's theme park located in The Bronx. Published by Theme Park Press, it can be found on Amazon, eBay, Goodreads and other retailers.