Laurie Bratone: Directing Development for Sandy Hook Foundation

Fair Havenite Laurie Bratone has been named the non-profit Sandy Hook Foundation’s new director of development.

Laurie Bratone … Photo/Facebook profile screenshot

In her capacity with the Foundation — known as what is referred to as the official friends group of the National Park Service’s Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook — Bratone, a 19-year Fair Haven resident, will be responsible for advancing the philanthropic efforts of the non-profit. She will be the key support to its “mission to enhance the visitor experience at Sandy Hook, a unit of Gateway National Recreation Area,” a released statement from the Foundation said.

“Established in 1989, the Foundation has funded cultural, educational, environmental, and conservation programs and has helped restore and preserve historic structures of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Fort Hancock — both National Historic Landmarks,” the Foundation’s website explains.  

In conjunction with its preservation aspect, the non-profit partner to the national park plays a central support role in pursuing park programs and projects that enhance visitors’ experiences.

As an official friends group in affiliation with Sandy Hook, the Foundation’s partnership with the NPS essentially means that it maintains a support relationship. Through that relationship, the Foundation bolsters the park and its programs via fundraising, culling volunteers, donations, donated goods and services. Click here for an overview of some of the projects the Foundation has spearheaded.

“Given its resources, Sandy Hook provides unique opportunities for a variety of activities in a safe and healthy environment.
I look forward to helping enhance public engagement opportunities year-round, so visitors can enjoy all Sandy Hook has to offer.”

Laurie Bratone, new director of development,
The Sandy Hook Foundation

Sandy Hook is known to offer a multitude of resources for its park visitors. The national park, situated on a peninsula between the Atlantic ocean and bay, is home to much beaching, outdoor sporting, passive and active recreation, natural flora- and fauna-laced hiking trails and historic sites and structures, such as the U.S. Army’s Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.

“The Sandy Hook Foundation proudly welcomes Laurie Bratone to our staff,” Sandy Hook Foundation President Patricia Alcaro said. “Her vast nonprofit experience and unique local perspective will strengthen our role within the community and enhance our partnership with the National Park Service.”

About Laurie Bratone …

Bratone has successfully furthered the mission of both regional and local nonprofit organizations as a development professional for more than 25 years.

She has had roles in the Billion Oyster Project on Governors Island in Manhattan, the American Littoral Society on Sandy Hook, and the Monmouth County Historical Association in Freehold. 

Bratone is a Monmouth County native and has lived in Fair Haven for the past 19 years with her husband and three children.  

For more information about The Sandy Hook Foundation, please visit https://www.sandyhooknj.org

— Edited press release from The Sandy Hook Foundation