Howard Beach was the place to be to see the stars last week.
The International Society of Saints (SS.) Cosma & Damiano hosted a Comedy/Disco Night fundraiser at Roma View Catering, and attendees – who packed the room – came from as far away as Long Island to dance and laugh the night away and “support a good cause.”
The evening of Thursday, October 1 featured the hysterics of WKTU’s Goomba Johnny and Howard Beach’s own Joe Moffa, who went to St. Helen’s and Nativity and, he said, “used to hang out at P.S. 207.”
“I love Howard Beach,” said Johnny, who had never performed in the area before. “This was a great opportunity for me to work with the community of Howard Beach.”
Disco hits were provided by Brooklyn’s own Joe Causi from CBS FM and DJ Nicky G from 2 Plus 2 Entertainment.
With a special appearance by “Paulie Walnuts” (Tony Sirico) from “The Sopranos,” the evening’s proceeds will go to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other local charities.
“Tonight was really Goomba Johnny’s idea,” said Society President Joseph De Candia, explaining that the radio personality had taken part in the First Annual South Queens Juvenile Diabetes Walk-A-Thon to Cure Diabetes in May in Howard Beach.
The International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, whose mission is to raise funds and make a difference in the lives of children afflicted with developmental disorders and childhood disease, has raised well over $1 million to that end.
“I think it’s great that Cosma & Damiano has picked JDRF as one of their charities,” said Joe Mure, Vice President of Treasury for the New York Chapter of JDRF. “Since they have, I’ve participated in many of the fundraising events.”
The event, which included a delicious dinner, a fabulous show and dancing, also featured a 50/50 raffle. Additionally, a 2009 Ford Mustang convertible will be raffled off in December, with monies raised going to the JDRF.
“They did a great job,” continued Mure. “When Cosma & Damiano does an event they put a lot of effort into it. The evening was a lot of fun.”
“Every dollar we raise we give away,” said De Candia. “It was a huge success and we were thrilled with the response.”
Those who know him say that Decandia must have inherited his penchant for giving back from his own father, also named Joe, who founded the Society, and his mother, Clara, Chairperson.
If you are interested in giving back, contact the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, P.O. Box 196 Howard Beach, NY 11414.
