Gina and Vinny Centauro are licensed contractors with big hearts. For the past 15 years, they've worked to make a positive difference through their charitable organization, Rescuing Families, Inc., by offering home renovations for people with disabilities and financial hardships at no charge. Progress Lighting has partnered with Rescuing Families by donating lighting product for many projects over the past two years, including the recently completed Mauro family home renovation in Port Jefferson, New York.
We love Progress Lighting. We use their products in just about every renovation.
"We're helping families that are like our family," said Gina, as both Gina and Vinny have family members who are disabled. When they started their Long Island-based contracting business, they often found that the job they were hired for did not cover everything that needed to be done - but it was all that the homeowner could afford to do. So, the Centauros went above and beyond, purchasing building materials out of their own pocket and finishing the necessary renovations for free so that families could have a home that allowed them to live a comfortable, peaceful, and happy life. But as the word spread and demand grew, the couple realized they couldn't do it all themselves, and that is when their not-for-profit organization was born. Now, with material contributions from their sponsors like Progress Lighting, financial contributions from various donors, and the complimentary labor that Gina, Vinny, and other volunteers provide, Rescuing Families completes projects throughout their Long Island community, such as the remodel they recently finished for the Mauro family. Keith Mauro was diagnosed over two years ago with ALS, and it was increasingly difficult for him to navigate his home. Keith and his wife Karen have a daughter, Olivia, who also has health challenges. A family friend reached out to Rescuing Families for help in remodeling the Mauro family house, and Gina turn reached out to her sponsors. Progress Lighting donated lighting fixtures, including lighting from our
Gulliver collection that is installed in the fully renovated, now wheelchair accessible, bathroom. "We love Progress Lighting," Gina said. "We use their products in just about every renovation." Rescuing Families receives many calls for help from places throughout the United States and as far away as Puerto Rico. Today, the organization is locally based but hopes to expand to other communities. As Gina says, "Our mission is to help others understand that there are families in our communities that are struggling and desperately need help. Everyone has something to contribute- you don't have to have a lot to give a lot."
To help Rescuing Families continue their mission to raise awareness of the challenging situation faced by so many families with disabled and financially struggling family members, and to learn about their new television show, Family to the Rescue, that supports this mission, visit their website www.familytotherescue.org/donate.
