The Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) has named REALTOR® Laura Copersino of Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Bayside, as its 2020 REALTOR® Spirit Award recipient. The REALTOR® Spirit Award recognizes a remarkable member who has made an incredible impact on their community through selfless and dedicated volunteer work. LIBOR gifts the organization through which the honoree volunteers time and talents a $5,000 donation.
This year’s recipient is an extraordinary example of how REALTORS® strengthen communities by following their hearts and helping those in need.
On December 12, 2018, Laura’s life was forever changed when her son Daniel passed away from an undetected heart condition at the age of 27. Daniel had just recently celebrated his third anniversary of sobriety. In those three years, he led an active and impactful life, passionately helping to guide others struggling with addiction on the path to living a clean, sober life.
The outpouring of life-changing stories from those who Daniel had known and helped, inspired Laura to establish the Daniel Copersino Foundation in his memory in January 2019. The Foundation provides funding to support charitable substance abuse programs, provides grants for individual treatment and brings substance abuse awareness to the community.
Laura spearheaded several projects in 2019 with the assistance of the Foundation's Board of Directors including a $17,000 contribution to the treatment scholarship program at St. Christopher's Inn treatment facility. Through this scholarship program, many men in need of treatment were provided with grants enabling them to get the help they so desperately needed to help change their lives.
In November 2019, the Foundation held the Whitestone Substance Abuse Awareness and Education Fair at a local school with a dozen rehab and detox facilities present to share information and help both those struggling with addiction and their loved ones. The event helped shed light on the opioid epidemic in the community and highlighted treatment facilities for those seeking recovery.
Most recently, the Foundation has adapted their efforts to meet the changing needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions on public gatherings, the foundation offered virtual support and assistance for those seeking in-person meetings and support groups.
Through the Foundation, many lives have been touched, received treatment and changed. It can even be said that lives have been saved. Not only the individuals battling with addiction, but their family members and loved ones that have received support and guidance as well.
“I am so proud to recognize Laura Copersino as this year’s REALTOR® Spirit Award recipient. In honoring Daniel’s memory, passion and devotion, Laura has made it her mission to help others change their lives for the better,” said LIBOR President Matthew Arnold. “Her compassion and determination to help those in need in our community, is the embodiment of the REALTOR® Spirit Award.”
The REALTOR® Spirit Award was created in 2006 and has since recognized more than 50 local REALTORS® for their outstanding commitment to community service. REALTOR® Spirit Award charities have received more than $60,000 in donations. In addition, each winner receives local publicity, which generates additional donations and inspires new volunteers to get involved and make their communities a better place to live.