Our 2009 Angela’s House Gala held on March 26 at the Watermill in Smithtown was a huge success. There were over 200 people who attended this wonderful evening. It was heartwarming to see the tremendous support we received, especially in such a challenged economy. Our guests were impressed with the Watermill’s elegant rooms that they setup for us. The first room our quest went into was for our cocktail hour and Chinese auction. The second room was the Vanderbilt Ball Room which was for our elegant dinner and awards.
A special thanks to our sponsors this year: Wal-Mart, Dr. Richard N. Fine and Stony Brook University Hospital and Jerry and Lark D’Imperio & Friends
The Gala Committee did an amazing job as they were able to collect and make over 100 baskets for the Chinese auction. It was amazing to see all these gifts nicely wrapped to perfection.
This year’s honoree was Pat Cassetta and Angelo Ciotta. Both of these distinguished honorees were WWII Veterans that continue to give of themselves to our community. They had recently helped with the 9/11 Memorial in Nassau County. Both Pat and Angelo were very instrumental in having the Angel of Hope Statue placed in Eisenhower Park. Angela’s House wanted to have this monument in the park for all parents that have lost a child. The construction work to get the Angel statue in the park would not have been possible without the help of Local 66, for they volunteered many hours to construct the area for the Angel.
Bob Policastro, Executive Director of Angela’s House made a DVD presentation that showed the construction and opening ceremony of the Angel of Hope. He also presented awards to Pat Cassetta and Angelo for their work in constructing the Angel of Hope. Awards were also presented to each of the union members that worked on the project.
It was great to share the successes of last year with our guests. Our highlight was reaching our new milestone of helping 400 children during 2008. We also had the excitement surround the statue we erected in Eisenhower Park called the Angel of Hope. This Angel shows the heart of our family friendly non profit agency that embraces our commitment to supporting parents with medically fragile children.
