That's what friends are for - Part Deux
/The string lights hanging overhead illuminated the dining room at Patrizia's, casting a warm golden glow over a crowd that felt far more like a family reunion than a fundraiser. Long tables draped in white linens were filled with familiar faces, friends from West Babylon, classmates from Marist University, family members, and my brothers from Shady Acres, a group bound together by decades of friendship, loyalty, and shared memories.
Each year, the Shady Acres boys gather for a week of golf, beach time, laughter, storytelling, and yes, a little harmless mischief. Sometimes our annual pilgrimage takes us to the Jersey Shore. Other years we head to upstate New York. This year, however, we returned home to Long Island, where Roger Coleman secured a beautiful house directly on the beach in Long Beach.
As always, the week was filled with old stories, new memories, and the kind of camaraderie that only develops over a lifetime.
When Tony first suggested hosting a fundraiser for the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation at Patrizia's, I have to admit I was a little uncomfortable. Shady Acres has always been our special time together, a week to reconnect, recharge, and enjoy each other's company.
But if you know Tony, you know there is no such thing as a casual suggestion.
Tony lives by the motto passed down from his father:
"No Let Up."
Once he sets his mind on something, there is no stopping him.
Thankfully, he didn't let up.
From the moment guests arrived, Tony and his staff moved through the room with the effortless grace and generosity that define true hospitality. Every glass stayed full, every plate overflowed with incredible food, and every guest felt welcomed. They weren't simply hosting an event; they were helping preserve and extend Gordon's legacy.
As the evening unfolded, I found myself standing at the front of the room with a microphone in hand. The conversations softened, the laughter quieted, and for a moment the room became still.
I looked out at the faces before me, people who had helped carry Mary Jo and me through some of the most difficult days of our lives.
"I want to thank my family," I began. "My friends from West Babylon, my Marist brothers & sisters, and the guys who have always had my back."
My eyes moved across the room toward John, Tommy, Roger, and Tony, who stood nearby. Dave and Vince had already headed home for prior commitments, while Rick and Gerry were unable to attend, but all of them were very much present in spirit.
What struck me most was seeing people I had not seen in more than forty years. Yet somehow, as soon as we started talking and laughing, it felt like no time had passed at all.
My friend Megan Kelly captured the evening perfectly when she later wrote on Faceboook:
"Lou, your crew showed up! What a great night! So much love in the room with your family and friends. It was nice to see everyone that came out to honor your son Gordon. Thank you, Tony, for hosting in your beautiful restaurant. Love to all."
She was absolutely right.
The room was overflowing with love.
During my remarks, I briefly spoke about the Five Pillars of the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation:
Video courtesy of Craig Rappaport https://tawprod.com/
• Everyone needs Faith
• Everyone needs Purpose
• Everyone needs Structure
• Everyone needs Social Engagement
• Everyone needs Compassion
These principles have become the foundation of our work and the framework through which we try to help others build resilience and hope.
Gordon's life was dedicated to lifting the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. He believed deeply that vulnerability was not weakness but strength. He often spoke about what he called "Elite Vulnerability", the courage to be honest about struggles and the willingness to ask for help when carrying life's burdens becomes too heavy.
One of Gordon's favorite reminders was simple:
"You don't have to carry your sack of rocks alone."
Looking around the room that evening, I realized his message was alive and well.
It was present in every hug between old friends.
It was present in every shared memory between the West Babylon crew.
It was present in the laughter of the Marist alumni and the unwavering support of the Shady Acres brothers.
Most of all, it was present in the collective decision of everyone in attendance to show up, not just for me, Mary Jo and Caitlin, but for Gordon and the mission that continues in his name.
As the evening wound down and conversations returned to stories, jokes, and memories, I found myself reflecting on life's journey.
Like everyone else, my life has been filled with peaks and valleys, triumphs and heartbreaks. Yet throughout the evening, I could feel Gordon's spirit filling the room.
The gathering at Patrizia's wasn't simply about remembering a loss.
It was about celebrating a life.
It was about friendship.
It was about community.
It was about hope.
And it was about proving that the people who love us never truly leave us.
As I looked around the room one final time, I couldn't help but think of the old song that has comforted so many of us over the years.
Because on that night, surrounded by lifelong friends and family, it became abundantly clear:
That truly is what friends are for
Please consider donating to the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation to help us keep Gordon’s legacy alive.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help. In an emergency, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).
For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).
