STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A star-studded lineup of celebrities and law enforcement advocates gathered at Don Roberto’s Classic Italian on Forest Avenue for the Third Annual Charity Cigar Night on Wednesday evening, as a way to raise vital funds for Blue Lives Matter NYC and the Child Reach Foundation.
From the left are Joseph Imperatrice, Rob DeLuca and Joseph Gannascoli. In the background is Scott LoBaido.Staten Island Advance
Co-hosted by Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri, Joseph Imperatice and restaurant owner Rob DeLuca — with special appearances by Sopranos’ alum Joe Gannascoli, and performers Vinnie Medugno, Charlie Romo and Maria Venuto, — the high-profile benefit brought together local supporters for an evening of hand-rolled cigars, fine dining, priceless auction items — and community philanthropy.
Rob DeLuca is shown with his wife, Gina DeLucaStaten Island Advance
Rob DeLuca is shown with Scott LoBaidoStaten Island Advance
Chazz Palminteri speaks about the importance of giving back to the community.Staten Island Advance
Entertainer/singer, Maria Venuto performs for the crowd.Staten Island Advance
Media teacher/singer/host/WABC 77 radio personality and producer Vinnie Medugno performs for the crowd.Staten Island Advance
Teacher and performer Charlie Romo serenades the crowd.Staten Island Advance
From the left are Joseph Zichittella and Frank FontainoStaten Island Advance
The event blended live entertainment, Hollywood glamour and dedication to charitable causes.
Rob DeLuca and Joseph ImperatriceStaten Island Advance
Joseph Imperatrice, founder of Blue Lives Matter, addresses the crowd.Staten Island Advance
Joseph Imperatrice, a retired NYPD award-winning Detective Bureau sergeant, served more than 20 years in the city Police Department and co-founded Blue Lives Matter Blue Lives Matter NYC in December of 2014.
Joseph Imperatice shakes the hand of NYPD Detective Jose Mercedes, who was injured in the line of duty, as Chazz Palminteri looks on.Staten Island Advance
The Child Reach Foundation was founded by Gianna and Chazz Palminteri in 2005 to support children’s health, welfare, arts and special needs, with a major focus on funding medical research for pediatric rare blood disorders like thalassemia (partnering with researchers like Dr. Stefano Rivella and Dr. Michel Sadelain), as well as aiding law enforcement families and children’s welfare organizations.
DeLuca, owner of Don Roberto’s in West Brighton and DeLuca’s in Tottenville, welcomed the crowd, noting that the event was the biggest one yet.
DeLuca went on to explain that everyone present that evening was a volunteer in some way.
“Tonight is a wonderful event and I’m so happy and honored to host the event to raise thousands of dollars,” he said.
Dennis Mangiero is shown with his daughter, Gina DeLuca.Staten Island Advance
DeLuca, who noted he’s been planning the event since the months of July and August indicated there were an incredible amount of people who agreed to get on board, and would go on to elaborate about the incredible auction prizes that were up for grabs.
He also referenced the great work being done by Imperatrice and how he has supported the NYPD throughout the years.
He would speak about Det. Jose Mercedes, who was stabbed 10 times during an attempted robbery in the Bronx earlier this month. Mercedes was presented with a check for $5,000 during the evening’s program.
Joseph Imperatrice, founder of Blue Lives Matter, addresses the crowd as Chazz Palminteri and others listen intently.Staten Island Advance
From the microphone in the West Brighton dining spot, Imperatrice credited all those who worked diligently to ensure the success of the event.
“All who are here tonight want to be part of the effort,” he said. “Law enforcement is a great part of life. Let’s give a shout out to all the uniformed workers here tonight. They work 24 hours a day. I love that uniform. We are here to serve and raise money for police officers, but also to celebrate Italian-American month.”
In capping the evening’s program, Chazz Palminteri addressed the crowd.
“In this world, it’s important to give back,” he said. “I care about the NYPD and the people who help us. If you see a New York City police officer or member of the FDNY, buy them lunch and remember to say thank you.”
Palminteri said his father always impressed upon him that there are two types of people in the world, the givers and the takers.
“And while the takers might have more money, the givers sleep better at night,” he said. “Rob is a great guy. A lot of people speak confidently, making promises or stating beliefs. They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk.”
Elvio and Ashglynn roll cigars for a great cause.Staten Island Advance
From the left are Frank Fontaino, Vincent Innocente, Vinnie Medugno, Joseph Zichittella, Steve Argentine, and Marco Raile.Staten Island Advance
Friends came out to support the cause.Staten Island Advance