Although Hampton Bays resident Judi Lach Veeck has spent the better part of 30 years as a nonprofit executive, she’s always been drawn to the arts.
Last month, Lach Veeck was announced as the new executive director of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) (97 Main St., 631-689-5888) based in Stony Brook, a role she officially started in September. A highly accomplished, well-versed individual, she holds a master of arts in social and public policy from Empire State University. Her credentials include serving as administrator for the education foundation for Suffolk County Extension, Inc., and as director of development and public affairs for Cornell Cooperative Extension. She was also a long-time board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Long Island.
(Photos by Steve Leung, LIMEHOF)
“I have a 30 year history in fundraising, so that’s what I can bring to the table,” she says. “But this is a little different. It’s an honor to lead an organization that celebrates Long Island’s rich musical heritage. The arts is definitely an attraction for me.”
With the goal to diversify funding and to increase awareness of the organization’s mission and outreach programs, Lach Veeck will be responsible for enhancing the organization’s fundraising opportunities through grants, individual donors and corporate partners as well as formalizing more programs on a year-round basis. She will also be instrumental in developing specific campaigns and initiatives, working closely with the LIMEHOF board of directors.
Open since 2004, LIMEHOF is a 8,800-square-foot space that is dedicated to honoring, recognizing and preserving Long Island’s music and entertainment heritage. According to the organization’s website, over 120 music artists and related professionals have been inducted.
Presently, the space is holding an exhibit dedicated to Billy Joel on the first floor, with the Hall of Fame in the second floor portion. Contents include outfits, instruments, memorabilia and photos. “It’s a great opportunity to look through and see the vast talent we have on Long Island because for so long, Lach Veeck says, “Long Island artists were lumped in with [artists from] New York City.”
Additionally, Lach Veeck notes, the organization’s brick-and-mortar location holds concerts on Sundays, complete with a stage that and space that seats upwards of around 80 people. Programs run the gamut, highlighting musical styles from hip hop and jazz to classical. Coming down the pike, Lach Veeck and her tiny LIMEHOF team will be hosting their first ever film festival this August, focusing on music documentaries.
(Photo credit: Steve Leung, LIMEHOF)
“In terms of getting the word out, we work Island wide,” Lach Veeck says. “We do programs throughout Long Island. We induct artists from throughout Long Island. And I’m really looking to increase the outreach so we have more of a presence both on the East End and further west.”
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the Hall of Fame starts at $29.50 for adults, $27 for seniors and vets, $22 for students.. For additional ticket information, click here or call 631-689-5888.
