Sheepshead Bay
Cheers to Raisa Chernina, founder of the Be Proud Foundation, who says “Red, white, and blue are her favorite colors.”
“I love America unconditionally,” she said. “I created the Be Proud Foundation in appreciation of my adopted homeland. Whatever I have I want to share with everybody,” she said. “I want to give back to the country and the community.”
Each year Raisa delivers a special salute to cops, sharing that when her mother died, a Finest from the 61st Precinct in Sheepshead Bay showed up to help her get through a tough time.
“He saw I was upset, and he stayed with me until my husband and children came home, so I want to say, ‘thank you,’ ” she explained.
Theresa Scavo, chairwoman of Community Board 15 confirmed Raisa’s commitment to the borough’s best and told Standing O, “As usual, Raisa honored our unsung heroes.”
Guests included staff, honorees, local pols, representatives from Community Affairs Bureau, New York City Police Dept. Sgt. Anthony Caggiano; Det. Thomas Hopkins, 60th Precinct; Det. Sam Shaine, 61st Precinct; Captain Anthony Longobardi, 62nd precinct; Police Officer Carmelo Vendra; and Scavo. Local musical duo Deana Marchuk sang “God Bless America” and Anna Malkina Shumaeva played violin. Standing O is proud to say “Thank you Raisa, for all you do.”
Be Proud Foundation [2805 E. 26th St. at Shore Parkway in Sheepshead Bay, (718) 788–7773].
