Not even the threat of a torrential downpour deterred devotees of the Boys & Girls Club of Bellport from its Annual Beach Ball Fundraiser.
As always, the humble and generous Queen of Wall Street’s Alexandra Lebenthal and husband Jay Diamond hosted over 550 people at their amazing bay front home in Bellport for this year’s benefit.
The festive affair which raised over $330,000, the largest amount raised in Beach Ball history, served guests including me cocktails and delicious bites provided by Chef John Wiecks, served perfectly by the courteous Boys & Girls Club teens. The hot dogs with toppings bar and mini-steak sandwiches added to the backyard charm.
An exciting Live and Silent auction themed around the “Art of Summer” with items ranging from an OMEGA watch, VIP tickets to the Global Citizen Festival with performances including Ed Sheeran, to a personal Grucci Fireworks show was almost as super as listening to the club’s 2015 Youth of the Year, Christina Colas introduced by Executive Director, Tracie Romandetti.
Christina was brought to the stage to speak about her incredible journey and how the club was such an important part of her life.
“The Boys & Girls Club came through to me at a point in my life where I needed an escape, ” said Christina. “Just knowing that I had a group of people care about me put a smile on my face in times of darkness.”
Wow, what a moment.
Midway through the evening, the rainy skies opened up just in time for the spectacular fireworks show on the open bay.
Guests included: Event Chair; Barry Podgorsky, Debbie and Phil Grucci, Dana Buchman, James Danziger, John DeStefano, Jim and Libby Ryan, Howard and Katia Read, Mark Petheram, Michael Mullaney, Carl Hedin, Bob Morris, Jay Johnson, Tom Cashin, Stefan Beckman and Terence Noonan.