Howard Beach businesses give back

On December 20 at Il Palazzo Villa Russo Catering Hall in Richmond Hill, Traza Insurance Agency and Howard Beach Tuxedos held its fourth annual “Toys for Tots” charity dinner dance. Over 150 guests danced the night away and donated toys for the children of Alianza, a not-for-profit organization located in the Washington Heights section. It is known to assist mentally disabled children. On December 22, Traza Insurance Agency and Howard Beach Tuxedos went to Alianza to donate the 800 gifts that were collected during the Christmas dinner event. They brought with them a lineup of entertainment, from Santa Claus, his elves, to Nick the Balloonatic who dazzled the children with his balloon characters, as well as clowns who were there to paint the children’s faces. This party was possible, say organizers, with the help of Gaetano Causi and Lenny Valenti of Howard Beach Tuxedos; Robert Zaia, Antonio Causi and Gianpiero Casabianca of Traza Insurance Agency; and Calcedonio and Peter Bruno of Champion Construction.