Our 2008 Angela’s House Gala held on April 3rd at the Watermill in Smithtown was a huge success. Over 200 people who attended were treated to a wonderful evening and our guests were impressed with the Watermill’s elegant room.
A special thanks to our sponsors: Wal-Mart, Patrick & Laurie Norton, Dr. Richard N. Fine and Stony Brook University Hospital, Dr. Anthony & Barbara Policastro, and Frank & Kim Scozzari.
The Gala Committee did a wonderful job collecting, assembling and setting up 100 baskets and prizes for our Chinese auction, which took place during the cocktail party. The choice of baskets and prizes were amazing. This was a great way to start our evening.
This year’s honoree was Richard N. Fine, MD. We were proud to honor Dr. Fine and thank him for his support during our early years when we were advocating to develop our first Angela’s House. At the time, Dr. Fine was the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Stony Brook University Medical Center and he recognized the problems we spoke of and supported our efforts. Dr. Fine is currently their Dean of the School of Medicine. Dr. Fine was presented with a beautiful, engraved plaque thanking him for his support. We also thanked his wife, Mrs. Shawney Fine, with a beautiful dozen roses for her belief in our mission and for connecting us to the hospital.
The evening moved on as we called up Jay D’Agostino and William Iaia to receive a photo framed Newsday article about their bike ride last summer from Florida to Long Island to raise awareness and funds for Angela’s House. This was the second year that these gentlemen helped us. The first year, they rode their bikes from Chicago to Long Island. We were honored to thank these men for their courageous efforts.
Bob Policastro, Executive Director of Angela’s House made a DVD presentation that showed the lives of two families. Each family talked about the programs we have to support their children at home, as well as the children living at Angela’s House. These programs are a lifeline critical to the care of these children.
We prepared for dinner with a prayer and thoughts for the children who are no longer with us. Our guests were then served a delicious dinner. The evening moved on to music, dancing and dessert. The evening was filled with a positive spirit.
Over all, it was a great event and many of our guests learned more about our mission to assist families of medically frail children.
