Meet the Founders – Promise of Hope Foundation

Meet the Founders

Scott Colletti

Scott Colletti has over 25 years’ experience in managing all aspects of a third-generation flooring business. His vision, understanding and professionalism has allowed him to respond to the changing times and create a successful commercial restoration and door business, adding to the already productive flooring company. His dedication to his family and employees allowed him to proceed with a successful transition and keep the integrity of a business that takes care of the employees and values the community that has supported them.

Scott’s enthusiasm and creativity has inspired him to become an owner of That Meetball Place; there are two current locations in Patchogue and Farmingdale. This illustrates his passion for food and the opportunity to create a place where loved ones can gather. He believes in tradition. Scott has used his success to create awareness and fundraise for many charities and for those in need. An early example, when the people of Sri Lanka found themselves devastated after the tsunami in 2004. Scott and his partner, Michael VanDenburg, used their contacts and shared their efforts to create an orphanage to provide shelter and care to the many victims’ children. He supports the Stony Brook Cancer Center and the numerous services they provide to the community with his wife Tammy. He is also a longtime supporter of The Marty Lyons Foundation. The many events they organize and attend raise necessary funds to sustain children’s wishes who are faced with a life-threatening illness. Scott and his wife Tammy regularly encourage, promote and participate in community events and activities; focusing on supporting parks, education, and families in need - just to name a few. The Promise of Hope Foundation is the representation of their continuous efforts to motivate positive change and improve the lives of others. One of his favorite quotes by Mark Twain says; “You are never wrong to do the right thing.” Scott will always remember these words and use them as a guide to focus his time, energy and resources to help others

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Michael VanDenburg

A native Long Islander, Michael’s dreams for success never came with a silver spoon. Michael’s success story is built through hard work and determination. Recognizing as a pre-teen that the first step in climbing a mountain starts at the bottom has embedded early character-building for his entrepreneurial spirit and continues to drive Michael today. Rarely do self-made men achieve success without experiencing some pitfalls in their journey. At age 20, with no fondness for formal education, but strong desires to make his success story, Michael started his own business with only the

capital saved from the hourly jobs of his teens. Despite the passion for greatness, that company failed. While that chapter was complete, the next chapter would set the stage. Michael began a new career – a commission only salesperson with Milburn Flooring. With the same passion and work ethic, his success was overwhelming which earned Michael a partnership in the family owned and operated business, started in 1959. Michael and his business partner, Scott Colletti, a third-generation owner, have grown together and their partnership has produced three other businesses started from the ground up. Through Milburn Flooring, Michael and Scott have since added Renu Contracting, Sunrise Door Solutions and two locations of That Meetball Place restaurant. The character of a self-made man speaks volumes, especially as is the case with Michael in never forgetting the road traveled. The tsunami of 2004 deeply affected all as we watched the poor children in Sri Lanka homeless and parentless. Michael was quick to react, along with Scott. Within 45 days, contacts were made in Sri Lanka and through their efforts they had raised enough money to build a brand-new orphanage. Michael’s efforts are altruistic and will continue to impact those in need. He has been active in many charitable causes, including: The Marty Lyons Foundation and was the 2012 recipient of the Man of the Year award; The A.M.T. Children of Hope Foundation, recognized his efforts in 2013; and Hope House Ministries. He has been a devoted supporter of Hope House Ministries for over fifteen years and he also sits on the board of directors. Michael is also the driving force behind the ministry’s Annual Golf Classic.

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Tammy Colletti

Tammy and foundation member Scott have known each other since the third grade. They have been together since then and have created a beautiful family and a community of lifelong friends. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. While preparing to invite children into her life, she took a leave and opened her own pre-school. She ran Mrs. C’s Happy Days for ten years and raised three vibrant and unique children; Jake, Maggie and Grace.

Once they were all in grade school, she went back to teaching as a substitute. As a revered community member, she gained trust and strong lifelong connections and relationships. This allowed Tammy to learn where there was need and how she could donate her time as a volunteer and help raise awareness for compelling causes. It was this path that led her to finding an interest in yoga as a form of exercise and a way to help children with anxiety and sensory issues. Tammy became certified in children’s yoga. During this time her parents both became ill and required constant care. As she looks back on the many years before they both passed away, she remembers this time in her life as a precious gift and truly believes it to be an honor to help someone transition with love and sharing compassion in their most sacred moments. As she healed from the trauma of this time she once again turned to the natural gift of volunteering. It has always helped her keep perspective and remind her of how grateful she is for all of her blessings. This is where she met Linda Bily and the many angels at the Stony Brook Cancer Center. Interacting with patients, supporting them and running fundraisers that directly benefitted them taught her profound life lessons. One that has been illustrated over and over again; to be of true service it must be solely for that person and have nothing to do with oneself! She joined Scott and Mike to establish The Promise of Hope Foundation because they share the same passion and vision to help change lives for the better. “Standing all together we are a strong force for good!” says Tammy. As a woman in this world she strives to share her value and she works towards empowering others to do the same. In Nelson Mandela’s inaugural address, he said: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We are meant to shine, as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Her path continues to help others and enrich herself by learning and has recently become certified in restorative yoga. This form of yoga is a healing modality that she hopes to share with many. She is exploring options in furthering her education and possibly becoming a Somatic Therapist. This will complement her dedication to bringing peace to others. It may take some of her energy away from the daily operations of the Promise of Hope Foundation, but she will continue to stand along with Scott and Michael. It is an honor and privilege and she is humbled and grateful for the trust that Promise of Hope supporters have bestowed upon her.

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