Long Island Nonprofit Accused of Violating Law by Hosting Fundraiser for State Lawmaker
A registered 501(c)(3) organization appears to have engaged in political activity by promoting and hosting a campaign event for Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay.
A Long Island nonprofit organization has been accused of violating federal laws by hosting and promoting a fundraiser for New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. The registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Long Island Youth Development Inc., held an event on October 3rd that urged followers to support Kassay's campaign.
A social media post from the organization stated, "Join us as we hold a reception to celebrate the contributions Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay has had to the Long Island Youth Development organization and the asian community on Long Island." Such activity is strictly prohibited for tax-exempt entities.
According to a flyer associated with the event, ticket prices ranged from $50 to $500 and included a link to donate directly to Kassay's campaign. The flyer also noted that donations could be matched through New York's public financing program, potentially multiplying in-district contributions up to 12 times. The organization is headed by Dr. Yanping Yu, who has also personally donated $2,500 to Kassay's campaign since September 2025.
"It's clearly participating in a campaign, which is prohibited activity for a 501(c)(3)," Patrick Sternal, counsel at Holtzman-Vogel, told The Post. Violations of these regulations can lead to the revocation of tax-exempt status or fines.
Assemblywoman Kassay, a Democrat representing Suffolk County's third district, has previously appeared at events for the nonprofit and has recognized Yu with honors, including a "women of distinction" award. Kassay is currently seeking her second term and faces Republican challenger Will Sussman in the upcoming election.
Sussman commented on the situation, stating, "Even in Albany, most people know that you don’t give out taxpayer money in exchange for donations to your campaign." He added, "Rebecca Kassay either doesn’t know the law, or she doesn’t think it applies to her." Sussman has called for a full investigation by the state attorney general's office, which oversees nonprofit organizations.
The social media post promoting the fundraiser was removed on Tuesday after The Post inquired about the event. Kassay's office and the nonprofit did not immediately respond to requests for comment.