STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A night of elegance and celebration marked a milestone for one of Staten Island’s most prized cultural landmarks.
On Friday, June 5, more than 330 supporters, civic leaders, artists and philanthropists gathered for the 2026 Neptune Ball on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Livingston to celebrate the institution’s 50th anniversary and support its future.
Held on a warm summer evening, the annual fundraiser drew hundreds of guests for a celebration of culture, nature and community, featuring cocktails and dinner.
Awards were presented to three recipients whose support has deeply impacted Snug Harbor: Larry Anderson posthumously received the Snug Harbor Lifetime of Service Award; Laurie Cumbo received the Neptune Award for the Arts; and The Vincent Gruppuso Foundation received the Captain Randall Award for Community Service.
For the first time in the event’s history, organizers added a dedicated Neptune Dance Party, bringing a new dimension to one of Staten Island’s signature philanthropic events.
Scenes from the Neptune Ball held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on June 5, 2026.(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com
The evening began at 6:30 p.m. on the Music Hall Annex Lawn, where guests mingled over cocktails before proceeding to The Great Hall for a formal seated dinner and awards program honoring individuals and organizations whose contributions have strengthened Snug Harbor and the broader community.
This year’s event maintained the tradition of an elegant gala while introducing a more contemporary celebration.
Inside The Great Hall, guests gathered for dinner, remarks and presentations reflecting on Snug Harbor’s 50-year legacy.
Outside, the Neptune Dance Party offered a lively post-dinner gathering on the lawn, beginning at 8 p.m., featuring music, cocktails and light bites beneath the night sky.
Family members and friends of the late Larry Anderson, honoree, at the Neptune Ball on June 5, 2026, including his husband, Matthew Walby, center, with Jessica Vodoor, President and CEO of Snug Harbor. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when the Snug Harbor Lifetime of Service Award was presented posthumously to Lawrence “Larry” Anderson, whose 16 years of service left a lasting imprint on the institution.
Introducing the award, Snug Harbor President and CEO Jessica Vodoor reflected on Anderson’s impact.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate extraordinary service — to recognize those rare individuals whose impact becomes part of the very fabric of a place,” Vodoor said.
“And tonight, we do so with both deep gratitude and deep sorrow, as we honor our beloved colleague, friend and community champion — Larry Anderson.”
During his 16 years at Snug Harbor, Larry Anderson touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to Staten Island. He was remembered for his tireless support of every project at Snug Harbor and the historic Music Hall—whose restoration he championed until his final days. (Courtesy Snug Harbor Cultural Center)Third-Party-Submitted
Anderson served in multiple leadership roles across Snug Harbor, helping guide performing arts programming, public events, production management, and campus stewardship.
His work supported hundreds of annual events and helped establish the campus as a cultural destination for Staten Islanders and visitors alike.
“Larry wasn’t just someone who worked at Snug Harbor,” Vodoor said. “He belonged to Snug Harbor. And just as importantly, Snug Harbor belonged to him.”
Vodoor described Anderson as a passionate advocate for both the performing arts and botanical gardens, noting his belief in their ability to connect communities and enrich lives.
“He believed in their power — not just to entertain, but to connect, to challenge, to bring people together, to console, to heal and to inspire,” she said.
Scenes from the Neptune Ball held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on June 5, 2026.(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com
Among his achievements, Anderson played a key role in the development of the Music Hall Annex and championed expanded opportunities for artists throughout Staten Island.
“He understood that when we invest in artists, we invest in community,” Vodoor said.
He was also remembered as a storyteller and historian whose knowledge of Snug Harbor’s past helped connect its history to its present-day mission.
“Larry’s work mattered. His presence mattered. His life mattered,” she said. “And the community he helped build will carry him forward.”
The award was accepted by Anderson’s husband, Matthew Walby, who joined Vodoor and Anderson’s family members on stage to a standing ovation.
Honoree Laurie Cumbo, second from right, is flanked by Jessica Vodoor, President and CEO of Snug Harbor, and Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks. Martha Neighbors and Cumbo’s son are also pictured. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)
The evening also honored former New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, who received the Neptune Award for the Arts from Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks.
Presenting the award, Hanks praised Cumbo’s longstanding commitment to arts and culture.
“Laurie has always understood that arts and culture are not extras. They are essential,” Hanks said.
She added that Cumbo’s work has demonstrated how cultural institutions strengthen communities and expand opportunities.
“She knows that culture is how communities tell their stories,” Hanks said. “It is how young people see what is possible. It is how neighborhoods build pride.”
Honoree Laurie Cumbo, center, is joined by and Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks, at the Neptune Ball held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on June 5, 2026. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)
Hanks also recognized Cumbo’s advocacy for cultural organizations across New York City and her support of Staten Island’s arts community.
“Laurie has been a champion for cultural institutions across this city, and she has shown real love and respect for Staten Island’s cultural community,” she said.
The Captain Randall Award for Community Service was presented to The Vincent Gruppuso Foundation in recognition of its long-standing philanthropic leadership on Staten Island.
Family members of the Vincent Grupposo Foundation, received the Capt.Randall Award for Community Service on June 5, 2026. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)
The award was introduced by Snug Harbor board members Brian Laline, executive editor of the Staten Island Advance, and Fred Cerullo III.
Laline reflected on the Gruppuso family’s business legacy, recalling how Vincent Gruppuso’s entrepreneurial path led to the creation of the Cozy Shack brand. The company eventually grew into a national operation.
“I’ve got to guess Vincent Gruppuso never envisioned a night like this, or the impact he would have on Staten Island,” Laline said.
Following his death in 2007, the family established the foundation to continue his legacy through charitable work.
“The Gruppuso family would not let their dad’s memory fade,” Laline said. “Instead, they wanted him to leave a legacy that would make a difference.”
Fred Cerullo and Brian Laline, Executive Editor of the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com — both members of the board of directors of Snug Harbor — present an award to the Grappusso family. Scenes from the Neptune Ball held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on June 5, 2026. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)
Cerullo highlighted the foundation’s broad philanthropic reach, including support for Staten Island University Hospital, local schools, universities and nonprofit organizations throughout the borough.
“This award is proudly presented to The Vincent Gruppuso Foundation, and to these wonderful people, not only for what they have given, but for how they give,” Cerullo said. “They give with purpose, consistency and a deep sense of responsibility to this borough and the people who call it home.”
He also noted the foundation’s longstanding partnership with Snug Harbor, including early support for agricultural and educational initiatives on campus.
“They have been consistent and generous supporters of Snug Harbor for more than a decade,” he said.
CEO of Advance Local and Publisher of the SI Advance, Caroline Diamond Harrison with her mom, Alice Diamond, at the Neptune Ball on June 5,2026. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)
Cerullo added that the foundation’s work reflects a broader commitment to community life.
“It reflects a belief that healing and community are not only found in hospitals and schools,” he said, “But also in the arts, culture and shared public spaces that enrich our lives.”
Members of the Gruppuso family, including Joanne Caridi, Michael Caridi, Lisa Salvo, Michael Salvo and Diana Boland, accepted the award on stage.
As the evening concluded, guests moved from the formal elegance of The Great Hall to the lively Neptune Dance Party on the Music Hall Annex Lawn, bringing a celebratory close to a night that honored both Snug Harbor’s past and its future.
Scenes from the Neptune Ball held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on June 5, 2026.(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com