For some, the season of giving is year-round. The ALL BOOBS MATTER fundraising initiative, spearhead by chef Mike Landesberg of East Islip’s Jackson Hall American Bar and Grille, is a prime example. Landesberg’s motto is, “Courtesy is contagious. Pay it forward!”

Landesberg, a male breast cancer survivor, worked tirelessly with his team to mount the second annual ALL BOOBS MATTER event to raise money for the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance and the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for Long Island. Their goal is to spread awareness with regards to the BRCA gene and breast cancer and to contribute to saving lives and helping others.

Islip Town supervisor Angie Carpenter came to this year’s event, which had tables and tables of brightly wrapped pink gift baskets and prizes up for auction to honor Landesberg with a citation from the town recognizing his tireless efforts for this important cause.

Kathy Walder, VP communications and strategic partnerships at the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance said, “In terms of advocacy, fundraising and event planning, Michael is an absolute rockstar. The enormous outpouring of spirit, enthusiasm, generosity and support (both cash and in-kind) from the community at this year’s ALL BOOBS MATTER fundraiser was like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” Walder said about Landesberg. “What an incredible, joyful evening. Michael has taken his difficult breast cancer journey and turned it into an extraordinary ‘pay it forward’ mission—with a capital ‘M.’ Thanks to his efforts, in September the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance was able to launch its new research support program with a gift to the Basser Center for BRCA’s Men & BRCA program at Penn Medicine. Half of those funds came from the money that Michael raised at last year’s fundraiser. He totally redefines the meaning of ‘do-gooder.’”

“It’s amazing what we can all accomplish when the community comes together. He modestly gave credit to all the others who helped,” added Landesberg. “I would like to thank all of the local businesses on Long Island, Town Bagel, Plainview, Westbury Toyota, Time Out Sports Café, Hicksville, 631 Cleaning Service, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Plainview. Those are just a few of the companies that donated large sums of money this year.”

The restaurant was also packed with local community members dining out locally for such an important cause. All in all, $42,000. was raised! ‘Tis the season of giving!