STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A newly-chartered Kiwanis Club on Staten Island spent the recent holiday season establishing new traditions and making an impact in honor of a beloved local family.
The Silver Lake Kiwanis Club of Staten Island held its inaugural Brunch with Santa on Dec. 7, drawing families from across the borough for a sold-out celebration that doubled as the launch of a new grant program honoring Rory DeCristoforo.
Organizers said the grant aims to honor Rory’s life by benefitting young people in the community. The young West Brighton girl died tragically in a fire at her home on Jan. 1, 2024.
The initiative will fund programs at Staten Island schools to support student learning and development.
“As great as the holidays are, they can also be difficult in the moments we are thinking of a lost loved one,” said James H. Thompson of Thompson Law. “As they always do, the DeCristoforos did a phenomenal job capturing Rory’s legacy in a way that lifted the packed room of friends and family they brought together.”
Thompson also praised committee head Amy Chi for her work on the holiday brunch, the first for the club.
Families gathered at the West Brighton venue for what organizers described as a day focused on holiday cheer and community connection.
The event featured activity stations with crafts and games, along with appearances by Santa and the Grinch.
The Grinch posed with children at the Silver Lake Kiwanis 2025 Santa Brunch held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2025.Courtesy of Silver Lakes Kiwanis Club
Attendee Kathleen McVey said the celebration made an impression. “It was BEAUTIFUL, the attention to detail was fab! Such a moving event. You guys did an amazing job and I will definitely be there for years to come,” she said.
Santa posed with children, spreading holiday cheer at the Silver Lake Kiwanis 2025 Santa Brunch event held on on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025Courtesy of Silver Lakes Kiwanis Club
Local businesses in West Brighton sponsored the event, with organizers noting the support helped bring the celebration and grant program to fruition.
Families pictured together at the Silver Lake Kiwanis inaugural Santa Brunch.Courtesy of Silver Lakes Kiwanis Club
The Silver Lake Kiwanis Club recently received its charter and views the event as part of Kiwanis International’s mission of serving children. Club members said they are already planning next year’s brunch.
Residents can contact Club President Stacie Koutras at Silverlakeskiwanissi@gmail.com for more information.