The 18th Annual Gala Dinner Dance for the International Society of SS Cosma & Damiano was held on Saturday March 27 at Roma View Catering. This year the Society had the distinct pleasure of honoring two founding members Sabino (Sam) Pace, Executive Vice President/C.O.O. of Zwicker Electric Co. Inc., who was presented with the “Successful Italian American Businessman of the Year Award;” and Rose Milidantri, who was presented with the “Italian American Lifetime Achievement Award.”
A sellout crowd of more than 300 guests enjoyed a wonderful cocktail hour, four-course dinner, open bar and Venetian hour and were entertained throughout the event by DJ Trio Productions, the comedy act of Uncle Floyd, tenor Chris Macchio and singer James Johnson.
“Through the participation and hard work of our board, membership, families, friends and business colleagues, this year’s Gala Dinner Dance proved to be an extremely successful fundraising event,”?said Society President Joseph DeCandia.
Donations were presented to the following:
• St. Francis Hospital: $5,000
• St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital: $5,000
• Our Lady of Grace Soccer Association: $5,000
• New York Families for Autistic Children: $4,000
• Ronald McDonald House: $3,000.00
• West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Dept.: $2,000
The Society also continued its ongoing commitment to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in its effort to find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Joseph Mure, Esq. and Kelly McPartland of the NY Chapter were presented with a $40,000 donation.
DeCandia and the board members took the opportunity to thank all those who came out and supported the event.
“Only together will we be able to continue to make great strides in support of the Society’s goal of helping to make a difference in the lives of children who are affected with physical disadvantages, developmental disorders and life-threatening diseases,”?said DeCandia, who also reminded everyone that the Society will be sponsoring its “Second Annual South Queens Juvenile Diabetes Walk-a-thon to Cure Diabetes.”
This family-oriented event will be held on Saturday June 5 in the Howard Beach community. All proceeds from this event will support research vital to finding a cure for Diabetes by JDRF.
