Deanna Filosa (Samaritano) Donates $10,000 in MassMutual’s Name to Literacy Suffolk, Inc.
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Bellport, NY – Deanna Filosa, CLU, ChFC of Island Financial Group in Woodbury, a MassMutual general agency, has earned The MassMutual Foundation’s Community Service Award for her outstanding volunteer efforts with Literacy Suffolk, Inc. As a result, Literacy Suffolk received a $10,000 contribution in her name.
Ms. Filosa made the presentation to Executive Director Gini Booth and Board of Directors President Dr. Aldustus Jordan during a reception in recognition of Literacy Suffolk’s 30th Anniversary.
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) annually selects only eight associates to receive the Community Service Award. Ms. Filosa was chosen because of her work as a volunteer and as an Advisory Board Member with Literacy Suffolk, relating to fundraising, strategic planning and tutor recruitment.
“My commitment to literacy began long before I became involved with Literacy Suffolk. It began when as a young girl I saw my grandfather’s personal struggle with English. As most immigrants, he came to this country and worked two jobs to support his family in the hope of providing a better life. While his children were young there was no time to learn to read, write or even speak proper English. Once his children were grown and he had more time, he did his best to learn English through books and Italian/English dictionaries. I remember how he struggled to pronounce words, how he was embarrassed to speak even in front of his own family. If he had had the advantage of a personal tutor, a conversational study group and everything else Literacy Suffolk offers, his life would have been different; our relationship would have been different. Literacy Suffolk has given me an outlet to pursue my passions- Literacy, Woman’s Literacy and Financial Literacy. “
The donation will be used by Literacy Suffolk to recruit tutors for the 600 students who are waiting to be matched. Ms. Booth said, “The support from MassMutual is a saving grace in the midst of dwindling funds and unfunded mandates.” She continued, “Ms. Filosa also brings fresh energy and perspective to Literacy Suffolk; indeed, her work does not go without notice, we are greatly appreciative.”
Deanna Filosa has been associated with MassMutual for 20 years as a Financial Services Professional. She has won several awards, including National Quality Award from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; MassMutual‘s Leaders Council and Century Circle Award.
Deanna resides in Huntington with her husband and three children and is also involved with AIM (Aiding Infants and Mothers) of Huntington, Stony Brook University’s Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and is a local Girl Scout Leader.