Goons4Good Statement

Goons for Good, a charity born from the enduring friendship of Morris, Dave, and their companions, embodies the quintessence of community spirit and collective action aimed at enhancing lives and fostering societal well-being. Rooted in the rich tapestry of their Brooklyn origins, this organization carries the unique ethos and accents of its founders, encapsulated in the memorable tagline “We all know a guy.” This phrase, more than just words, symbolizes the power of connection, networking, and community support that Goons for Good leverages to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Far from the shadowy connotations its name might initially suggest, Goons for Good stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity, dedicated to building strong, equitable communities where no one has to face life’s challenges in isolation. The organization’s approach is not about overcoming through intimidation but rather about knocking down the walls of loneliness and isolation that too many people face during difficult times.

Focusing on critical areas such as veteran issues, mental health, and wellness, Goons for Good aligns its efforts with local organizations, amplifying its impact and reaching more individuals in need. Through this collaborative and caring approach, the charity not only addresses immediate needs but also works towards creating a lasting infrastructure of support and understanding within the community.

In essence, Goons for Good stands as a testament to the power of friendship, community, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive. With its roots firmly planted in the values of empathy, support, and collective action, the organization continues to grow and serve as a pivotal force for good, embodying the idea that, indeed, “We all know a guy” who can make a difference in the world.

Goons4Good stands as a testament to the power of friendship, community,
and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive

How we began

In 2015, nestled within the welcoming community of Northport, Long Island, an impactful initiative took root at the home of Michael and Stacy Simbrom. This initiative, named Healthspan.Us, emerged with a foundational mission to shed light on and educate about substance disorder, aiming to cultivate a supportive community for those affected. As the organization began to flourish, it welcomed a pivotal addition to its team, “Uncle Dave” Dave Chametzky. His arrival marked a significant turning point for Healthspan.Us, infusing the organization with a vibrant energy and broadening its scope. Uncle Dave’s unique approach and dedication to the cause introduced a variety of projects, each designed to fortify the organization’s community-building mission. Through his contributions, Healthspan.Us not only deepened its commitment to education on substance disorder but also expanded its reach, touching more lives and fostering a stronger, more interconnected community.

In 2023, a pivotal change occurred at Healthspan.Us when Stacy Simbrom made the heartfelt decision to step down from her leadership role, setting the stage for “Uncle Dave” Dave Chametzky to steer the organization into its next chapter. Embracing this new responsibility, Uncle Dave embarked on assembling a revitalized team, intent on infusing the organization with fresh perspectives and renewed vigor. A significant move in this direction was the inclusion of Morris Mayer, a lifelong friend whom Uncle Dave had known since their adolescence at the age of 14. Their friendship, which began in Brooklyn and was cemented through shared experiences and a bowling team known as the Goon Squad, would now serve a greater purpose. Together, they launched the “Goons for Good” in as a doing-business-as (dba) arm for Healthspan.Us, symbolizing their commitment to channel their enduring bond into philanthropic endeavors.

In addition to Morris, Uncle Dave welcomed Shahan Islam into the fold, recognizing his extensive background in charity work. This strategic expansion aimed not only to diversify the organization’s capabilities but also to reinforce its mission. Healthspan.Us continued to stand firm on its foundational goals, dedicated to enhancing lives by leveraging the collective power of communities globally to promote the common good.

With these changes, Healthspan.Us reaffirmed its dedication to bringing people together, fostering strong and equitable communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Under the leadership of Uncle Dave, and with the support of Morris, Shahan, and the broader community, the organization embraced its evolving journey, poised to make a deeper impact on societal well-being and community cohesion.

Directors

Dave Chametzky – President

Morris Mayer Vice-President

Shahan Islam – Secretary