Center Moriches's Cassy Caputo named Woman of Distinction

Center Moriches resident Cassy Caputo has been selected by Legis. Rudy Sunderman as the local “Woman of Distinction” for his legislative district. Sunderman recently gave Caputo a proclamation marking the honor with a socially distant presentation in front of her home.

The Suffolk County Legislature’s “Woman of Distinction” honor is usually bestowed upon extraordinary women in March during Women’s History Month. As per Suffolk County Resolution 786- 2002, each legislator is given an opportunity to recognize a “Woman of Distinction” within their district and honor her for all of her efforts to improve the community. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Sunderman was not able to honor Caputo with a formal ceremony; however, he felt it was important to take the time to recognize her for this accomplishment.

“I was honored to have the opportunity to recognize Cassy as the 3rd Legislative District’s Woman of Distinction while still being able to practice our social-distancing protocols,” Sunderman said. “Cassy goes above and beyond for our community, its residents, and her family.”

Caputo is a longtime resident of Center Moriches and is the proud mother of three children, Keith, Briana and James. She retired in 2012 after working for 32 years and was the director of purchasing for the Town of Brookhaven. As her children were growing up, Caputo volunteered her time with many local organizations, including serving as a board member of the Moriches Community Center. In 2015, she helped her eldest son, Keith, establish Helping Makes U Happy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation aimed at demonstrating how every human being is capable of making a difference through volunteering. Caputo is not only the co-founder, but also serves as the organization’s chairperson.

“While Keith Caputo is the founder of Helping Makes U Happy, his mother works behind the scenes as co-founder ensuring the success of all of their charitable endeavors,” Sunderman said.

Helping Makes U Happy runs many events, such as a Memorial Day breakfast for our veterans, Prom Impact Project, Summer of Feeding the Families, school supplies and backpack collections, annual Halloween costume giveaways, Thanksgiving food boxes, winter coat drives and toy drives, as well as providing a free holiday boutique at the local nursing home where residents can shop for free.

“Cassy inspires others to make a difference in their community with the belief that doing good not only helps the lives of the less fortunate, but their own lives as well,” Sunderman said. “Cassy truly encompasses everything that defines a Woman of Distinction.”