Father Builds Community Through Family Events

Andre Carroll never set out to start a community organization. He simply wanted to reconnect with friends and create opportunities for their children to know one another. Years later, that simple idea has grown into a series of free family events that have become a tradition for many Brentwood residents.

Carroll, a Brentwood High School graduate, has been organizing community activities since 2018, funding the events largely out of his own pocket, with neighbors and local supporters donating snacks, water and supplies. He’s now working to formally establish the effort as a nonprofit organization, to be known as Long Island Entertainment.

His annual calendar includes Easter egg hunts, Community Day celebrations, back-to-school backpack giveaways, children’s pool parties and Trunk-or-Treat events to give kids an option outside of trick-or-treating. This year’s Community Day featured youth football and cheerleading registration, Girl Scout signups, games, a video game truck and sponsorship opportunities to help children whose families cannot afford sports registration fees.

Carroll said the mission has evolved beyond simply bringing old friends together.

“What started as a way for our kids to know each other has turned into helping families who might not otherwise have these opportunities,” said the father of six who works as Suffolk County wastewater operator trainee at the Bergen Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. “Any help is help.”

Recent Easter events have drawn as many as 150 people, including up to 80 children.

Most activities have been held at Vasquez Park in Brentwood, where Carroll has also advocated for improvements. Working with the Town of Islip, he has pushed for additions including benches, a walking path, basketball court, shade structures and other upgrades. The town recently recognized him for nearly eight years of community service and has agreed to renovate portions of the park.

Carroll hopes to continue expanding the events throughout Suffolk County while formally establishing his nonprofit organization. Until then, he plans to keep doing what he has been doing for years—bringing families together and ensuring local children have a place to play, celebrate and simply be kids.