The Boys & Girls Club of the Bellport Area held their Eleventh Annual Beach Ball at the Bayfront home of muni bond queen Alexandra Lebenthal and husband Jay Diamond. Attended by over 500 people, the event raised funds in excess of $300,000.
Featuring a live and silent auction themed around the “Art of Summer”, the event kicked off with food and drinks available from local vendors and served by volunteers and members of the community. Overseen by Carl Hedin and John Wiecks, the offering was eclectic and delicious.
Midway through the event, the crowd stopped for speeches to welcome Michael Bussa, chairman of the board and Tracie Romandetti, executive director to the stage who thanked the attendees and organizers, before introducing the clubs Youth of the Year, Emani Peterson. Emani took the microphone and spoke about the positive impact that the club has had on her life.
Finally, Charlie Rose who acted as master of ceremonies for the entire event, spoke about the importance of the club in the community and alluded to a potential job offer for Emani after learning of her desire to enter into journalism.
Later in the evening, an auction took place where a Grucci Fireworks show went for $12,000, a Beyoncé and Jay Z Front Row Package at Met Life Stadium went for $3,200 and a three-night trip to Caneel Bay went for $2,300.
Following the auction, guests resumed in their revelry and spent the evening dancing away until 11pm.
Other guests included: James Danzinger, Stefan Beckman, Dana Buchman, Amanda Burden, Lucy Danziger, Phil and Debbie Grucci, Bob Morris, Scott Pask, and Angela Westwater.
Pictured: Alexandra Lebenthal with Jay Diamond, and Alex Beitel