While one storm can wipe away so many dreams, human beings can help rebuild them. Yes, Mother Nature is strong as evidenced by Super Storm Sandy which crushed and alienated the coasts of Long Island. Yet its fury could not hold off the beautiful hearts that still beat today in helping those recover.
ESPN broadcaster Mo Cassara has been one of those hearts since the awful days and nights of dealing with a storm that not only ravaged many homes but emotionally upended even more lives.
Cassara, the former head men’s basketball coach at Hofstra University, has been actively involved with helping the communities of Long Island with his time and skills. His most recent event was last month at The Molloy Center gym in Point Lookout, the town where he resides.
Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“What happened to the communities on Long Island was just devastating,” Cassara said. “So many people were affected, lost their homes, had their lives hurt in different ways. I felt I needed to reach out and help as many as I could.”
So Cassara periodically holds clinics for boys and girls of all ages around the area. All proceeds go to charity. So call Mo Cassara “The Community Coach.”
Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to coach at some of the best schools in the country,” said Cassara. “It’s a joy to give back to others who need a chance, too.”
Besides the coaching clinics, he teams up with his fiancé Elisa DiStefano, of Channel 12 News, to help the Coaches versus Cancer and Mohawk Avenue Saint foundations. Last August, the soon-to-be-married couple held a Sneakers and Sandals Beachball event to raise money for the two charities.
“I’m trying to reach out to as many organizations as possible,” Cassara said. “There are so many people in need of help. I’m just happy I can contribute.”
Cassara has also been involved with the St. Jude Research Foundation and Long Island Cares. “People need help,” he said. “I’m fortunate to be in a situation where I can help.”
Cassara, at the ripe age of 24, first became head coach of Worcester Academy in Massachusetts. He led his alma mater to a New England Prep School championship. He eventually landed the head coaching job at Hofstra after getting valuable experience as an assistant coach at Boston College and Dayton.
Mo is currently a broadcaster for ESPN. “This has been a great experience for me,” he said. “I certainly would like an opportunity to coach again. I think after the year of broadcasting, sitting in another seat, I would be a better coach.”
Cassara is still very young at 40. His energetic approach to the game of basketball will likely land him a shot to get back into the game of college basketball. “It’s in my blood,” he said. “But this time has given me the opportunity to work on other things in my life.”
Currently he’s broadcasting college basketball games for ESPN, spending his time helping others and getting ready to say goodbye to the single life. “It’s an exciting time for me and Elisa,” he said. “We’ll be married in August.”
His fiancé was recently featured in the magazine, Luxury Living. Her bubbly personality has helped Long Islanders deal with a difficult winter with her appearances on the Channel 12 morning show.
While others may view the two as an up-and-coming power couple on Long Island, Cassara remains modest and humble.
“I’ve been blessed to have met Elisa. I met her my second year at Hofstra. I’m looking forward to our future together.”
Are any additions planned? “I hope so,” said Cassara. “Every Sunday I go and have dinner with Elisa. It’s a big Italian dinner with a lot of people. I just love it. It’s a great feeling to be part of her family. They’re so supportive of me, too, in good and bad times.”
The same can be said of Mo Cassara and his support of Long Islanders.
Mo Cassara can be reached at his website if you need more information.
*Mo Cassara and Elisa DiStefano will be helping out tomorrow night, March 15th, to raise money for the St. Jude Foundation.
Here's the information:
Saturday, March 15, 2014
7 p.m. – midnight
Oheka Castle
135 West Gate Drive
Huntington, New York 11743
Gold Coast Cares for St. Jude is the premier Long Island event supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2013, the Long Island Community raised nearly $300,000 for the kids of St. Jude. Join them for an exquisite evening at Oheka Castle, one of Long Island’s most historic and beautiful venues, for cocktails, a seated gourmet dinner, live music, dancing, and a fabulous live and silent auction.
Michael John Sullivan is the author of several novels, including Necessary Heartbreak, Everybody's Daughter, An Angel Comes Home, and The Greatest Gift. He is also the creator of the SockKids, a children's animated series.
