‘Make It Count’ group helps remodel vet’s new Brightwaters home – greaterlongisland.com (blog)

A Brightwaters veteran and his family have just receiveda partial home makeover through a behind-the-scenes organization calledMake It Count.

The [members of Make It Count] have every reason to spend their time living lavishinstead they spend their downtime doing what they did for us and giving away their moneyand time to see veterans live out the American Dream we risked our lives for overseas, said recipient of the makeover, LorenzoBono, a U.S. Marine who served from 2012-16.

The mission of theorganization is to provide housing, education, and healthcare to those who have served in the military, says Mark Sagliocca of Make it Count.

The organization is run by six board members in total, all of whom have different backgrounds.

My expertise is as a land developer and general contractor, said Sagliocca. While our founder, Jon Reese, is more of aWall Street financeguy.

Together the grouppools its skills and backgrounds together to give back to those who fought.

The remodeling work at 450 Peters Boulevard all started with a plate of dinner at Primi Italian Steakhouse in West Islip.

Sagliocca was eating dinner with fellow Make It Count members when he overheard the owner of Primis, Frank Bono, talking about his veteran twin brother and his brothers new home.

Thatbrother wasLorenzo.

Right when I heard he was from Brightwaters my eyes lit up because the Lions Club wanted to donate to someone in the Bay Shore area, said Sagliocca.

Thats when Make It Count sent over an e-mail to Lorenzo that had him scratching his eyes in disbelief.

When I got thee-mail from Mark talking about renovations, I just couldnt believe it, Lorenzo explained. I yelled out [to his wife], Babe, come here! Am I reading this right?'

Sagliocca explained his organizations work is made possibleby donations from places like the Lions Club, as well as individual donors.

125% of our donations go towards renovations, said Sagliocca. The reason we can do that is because we have virtually no overhead.

According to Make It Count,most of the workers, from demolitionist to plumbers, who work inthe house donate their time and expertise.

Sagliocca and his team completely flipped the Bono familys bathroomand kitchen on the main floor, installing all new appliances, cabinetry, flooring, and much more.

They bought this beautiful home and it just needed a shot in the arm, said Sagliocca.

Lorenzo told GreaterBayShore there were times when he caught himself welling up withtears as the renovations took place.

It felt like itwasnt even real, said Lorenzos wife, Samantha.

To see my wife in the kitchen like this withmy [two] kids it made me as a man, father, and asa husband feelbeyond amazing, said Lorenzo.

They never asked for help, but Make it Count soughtthem out.

We pushed ourselves on Lorenzo and Samantha because its our duty as citizens to give back, said Sagliocca.

Scroll down for before and after photos.

Nick Esposito is a Long Island native who studied journalism at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue. He's a huge fan of sports and storytelling. If you have story ideas please e-mail him at nick@greaterpatchogue.com.

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'Make It Count' group helps remodel vet's new Brightwaters home - greaterlongisland.com (blog)