Bethpage, New York – July 1, 2013 – Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York State’s largest credit union, is pleased to present the Islip Arts Council’s annual concert in the park, “Recovery Through the Arts – Play it Forward,” featuring the Atlantic Wind Symphony and Swingtime Big Band taking place on Saturday, July 13, 2012 at 8 PM at Heckscher State Park in East Islip. Free to the public, the event is dedicated to those still putting their lives back together from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  The Islip Arts Council, in partnership with the United Way of Long Island, will donate a portion of the net proceeds from the event to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund, established to address the near and long-term recovery needs of communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas.

The event will turn Heckscher State Park in East Islip into a giant Concert Hall, featuring the Atlantic Wind Symphony and Swingtime Big Band and include a spectacular fireworks display by Grucci immediately following the concert.  There is no admission charge.  Last summer, over 30,000 attended the annual free concert by the Islip Arts Council.

Directed by Bob Levy, the Atlantic Wind Symphony will play a variety of music beginning with Shostakovich, and including Sousa marches and some patriotic tunes, as well as the 1812 Overture.  Directed by Steve Shaiman, the Swingtime Big Band will play music from the 30s and 40s.

“Bethpage is very pleased to partner with the Islip Arts Council to help bring this free, annual concert to the community,” said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Bethpage.  “This year’s concert will help draw much needed, continued attention to Long Island’s Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, which remain in full force.  A portion of the donations from the event will be granted to charities that are addressing the recovery needs of Long Island.  We are proud to play a key role in helping make this happen.”

“We are thrilled once again to have Bethpage as a partner at this year’s concert, as Long Islanders help Long Islanders, and Long Island artists perform a rousing concert of American band music,” said Lynda A. Moran, Executive Director, Islip Arts Council.  “The Islip Arts Council could not have produced this beloved free event for the community for more than 34 years with the assistance of sponsors like Bethpage.”

For more information on parking and directions, please call (631) 224-5420 or visit www.isliparts.org.  For more information on other Bethpage-sponsored Summer events, please visit www.bethpagefcu.com/community/events.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, existing solely to serve its members and has experienced rapid growth in recent years to become a strong alternative to banks.  Bethpage was approved for the largest federal community charter in the U.S. in 2003 and now is New York State’s largest credit union and Long Island’s primary community financial institution with 212,000 members, 26 branches and 60 shared service center locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers the best-in-market rates, low fees and world-class service, and a full menu of personal and commercial financial services.

Bethpage maintains branch locations in Bay Shore, Bay Shore King Kullen, Bethpage, Central Islip, Commack King Kullen, Elmont, Farmingdale, Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Huntington, Levittown King Kullen, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Melville, Mineola, North Babylon, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Seaford, Smithtown, Roosevelt, West Babylon and Westbury with over 425 surcharge-free ATMs including King Kullen, CVS Pharmacy, 7-11 and Costco locations throughout Long Island.  For more information, call 1-800-628-7070 or visit www.bethpagefcu.com.