Editor’s Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com.
Members of ECHO’s Board of Directors smile for the camera at the “Five Million Reasons to Smile Gala” at the Addison Park. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — ECHO‘s exceptionally lavish “Five Million Reasons to Smile Gala,” pulled out all the stops at the Addison Park recently, the Aberdeen, N.J. event that featured extravagant decor, haute couture fashion, gourmet dining — and distinguished guests and honorees.
Nearly 600 revelers, including Borough President Vito Fossella and his wife, Mary Pat Fossella, witnessed the magic of the Emergency Children’s Help Organization ‘s (ECHO) annual fundraiser that celebrated the Charleston-based non-profit’s 5 million dollars in grants awarded to children in need.
From the left, Borough President Vito Fossella, Anne Fiumefreddo, Mary Pat Fossella, Suzanne Burke and friends of ECHO. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Founded by Sebastian Angelico in 2008, ECHO was born from his vision to come to the aid of children who often lack the necessary resources during a medical crisis.
Members of the Executive Committee and friends of ECHO (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Angelico is a steady supporter of charitable organizations, and has contributed in myriad ways to non-profits who also assist the elderly and infirm.
Sebastian Angelico, ECHO’s founder and chairman and Florence Angelico (Courtesy/Christine DelDuca)Staten Island Advance
Proceeds from the posh event support ECHO’s mission to provide financial assistance to children experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency.
The gala served as a time to herald several individuals dedicated to community service on the local level and beyond.
From the left, honoree, Anthony Compagnino and Sebastian Angelico. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Recognized for their unwavering support that evening were 2025 award recipient honorees with names like Vic Tartara, a Board of Director, and Anthony Compagnino, a member of the Executive Committee.
Frank Minniti was presented with The Frank Fiumefreddo Above & Beyond Memorial Award and Gerald Amerosi of Gerald Peters, received the Reflections of Kindness Award.
Connor Kukal was the recipient of The Volunteer of the Year Award.
Jennifer DeNivo, Grant Recipient Speakers Jaime and Thomas Citera, Angie Galano, and Vincent Angelico and Sebastian Angelico, focus on the guest speakers. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Susan Brienza and her daughter, Jessica Brienza. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
MORE ON THE GALA
Raffles galore included a Mercedes-Benz or a $50,000 cash prize, a Rolex watch, a Women’s Chanel bag raffle, a Year of Dining Raffle, spectacular gift baskets and more.
Julia DelDuca (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Realtor, Robert DeFalco, center, and friends. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Community leader, Terry Tarangelo delivered an outstanding rendition of “God Bless America.”
From the left, Thomas and Jaime Citera, Terry Tarangelo, Philip Guarnieri, Maureen Surette, Fran Tutone, Sahinaz CC Arcuri, and Jeanne Sarno (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Karen Gallo, Julianne Angelico, and Donna Grado. (Courtesy/Frank Angelico)Staten Island Advance
Katherine Ciaravino of DiTommaso Realty, second from left, ECHO’s new Board Member, and friends. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Vincent and Carol D’Elia, standing left, and family members. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Friends of ECHO (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Angie Galano and Jennifer DeNivo. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
COMMENTS FROM THE PODIUM
“Tonight, we are celebrating not just $5 million in grants awarded, but a shared vision brought to life,” said Angelico, who is also chairman of the Board. “Reaching $5 million in grants awarded is a testament to what compassion, collaboration, and commitment can achieve together. On behalf of the Board of Directors of ECHO, I would like to thank our supporters, partners, and staff — your belief in our mission has turned hope into lasting impact.
Seventeen years ago, I could not have imagined that we would be awarding our ‘5 millionth’ dollar at any time in the future…But, by God’s Blessing, we have done so during the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. Please accept my sincere gratitude to everyone of ECHO”s supporters over the years. Thank you!”
“Each one of our supporters, past and present, has played a vital role in making a real and lasting difference in our community,” noted Vincent Angelico, vice chairman of ECHO. “Your dedication, generosity, and belief in ECHO’s mission have helped us lift others and build hope where it’s needed most. On behalf of our entire team, thank you for standing with us!”
Honoree, Frank and Annmarie Minniti, Pasquale and Denise Loporcaro, and Scott and Lorri Tierney (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
“Seeing nearly 600 guests come together tonight fills our Board with immense pride and gratitude,” continued Pasquale Loporcaro, the executive director of ECHO. “Together, we’ve reached an incredible milestone—over $5 million in grants awarded—and we’re on pace to give more
A LITTLE ABOUT THE HONOREES
Compagnino, has been part of the ECHO Family for a number of years.
An esteemed Board Member, he is currently ECHO’s Treasurer, also serving on the Executive Committee.
He and his family have not only supported the cause, but have played a key role in ECHO’s evolution and has been being actively involved in facilitating fundraising and recipient events.
Tartara has been an asset to the ECHO Board also providing support and awareness to the cause and has been part of the ECHO family for several years prior to joining the Board.
Honoree, Vic Tartara, Annmarie Minniti, Michelle Tartara, and honoree, Frank Minniti. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
FRANK MINNITI
Passionate, generous and refined are just a few words that describes Minniti, the 2025 recipient of the Frank Fiumefreddo Above & Beyond Memorial Award.
A member of the ECHO family since its inception, Minniti serves as the event committee co-chairman and executive committee member, he’s consistently going above and beyond in every imaginable way to further ECHO’s mission.
GERALD AMEROSI SR.
The Reflections of Kindness Award was presented to Gerald Amerosi Sr., a community leader who has supported a number of causes on the local level and beyond.
From the left, John Barbieri, Niles French, Gerald Amerosi, Sr., honoree, and Joseph Ferrara. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
As owner of Gerald Peters, one of Staten Island’s premier jewelry stores, Amerosi and his family’s have been generous donors not only to ECHO, but to other non-profits as well.
CONNOR KUKAL
Since he was a child, Kukal has been lending his time and energy to event preparations, annual newsletters, and a number of behind-the-scenes efforts assisting ECHO staffers with, invitations, and other essential operations.
Honoree, Connor Kukal (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Truly an inspiration for today’s youth, Kukal exemplifies the importance of volunteering within the community.
Raymond Masucci, center and Sebastian Angelico, center right, and friends of ECHO. (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Executive Committee Members, Eddie Scalzo and Vincent D’Elia (Courtesy/Joey G)Staten Island Advance
Congratulations are in order for ECHO’s newest Board of Directors, Gerald Amerosi Jr. of Gerald Peters and Katherine Ciaravino of DiTommaso Realty.
Also, to ECHO’s newly appointed Executive Committee members, Gary Fleming of Emerald Realty, the Social Media Committee co-chairman, and to Eddie Scalzo of Country Donuts, who will serve as the Social Media Committee’s co-chairman.
CELEBRATIONS – NOV. 16 TO NOV. 22
NOV. 16
Sunday is birthday time for Vienna Profeta, an Advance Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2002, to Marlene Springer, George Sieghardt, Joseph Ocella, Kristy Ventre, Doreen Pompilli and twins Martin and Daniella Cusack. ¶
Happy wedding anniversary Sunday to Isabelle and Glen Pillarella.
NOV. 17
Birthday greetings Monday go to Mike Lee Sr., Robert Bartow, Richie Nielsen, who turns 80, Anthony Rappa, Cecelia N. Brunner, co-author of the two Images of Ameria — West Brighton Books, and Davie VanName.
NOV. 18
The happiest of birthdays on Tuesday to Gail Neal, Ray O’Neill Jr., Salvatore Alessi, Jack Kiley, Natalie and Julie Wiseiewski, Ray Mankowski, Patricia Mazza and Cara Masucci.
NOV. 19
Birthday best on Wednesday to Diane Lore, Paul Floridia, Michael Passante, twins Richard and Russell Verdi, Miriella Spadafora Rosenblum, and Alex Zablocki.
Happy wedding anniversary Wednesday to Rosemarie and Steven Barnickel.
NOV. 20
Happy birthday on Thursday to Amelia Maligno, Greg Dale, Joe Berardi and Christopher Anthony Micho who turns 18 and Tom Morrongiello.
Thursday is wedding anniversary time for Donna and Tommy Mignone, John and Lisa Golterman and Theresa and Andrew D’Onofrio.
NOV. 21
Celebrating birthdays on Friday are Mary Lee, Ann Marie Henderson, Gail Fernandez, Michael J. Perkert who turns 18, Joan Galant, William J. Slaven Jr., Casey Romano, twins Laura Gwen and Douglas Gil Cala, celebrity chef, Rob Burmeister, Roy E. Smith, and Diane Nicole Arrigo.
NOV. 22
Saturday is birthday time for Barbara Danischewski, Ronald Kilichowski, twins Adam and Brandon Kruse, and Ryan Brucato, who will be 22.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.