Students in the 2025 St. George Theatre’s Summer Outreach pose for a photo on the stage at the historic venue. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The St. George Theatre, a treasured nonprofit cultural landmark at the heart of Staten Island, invites the community to gather for a magical afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity at its Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser — a celebration in support of the cultural gem’s arts and community programs.
Guests will be immersed in a whimsical, tea-party–inspired experience featuring designer pocketbook bingo, live, enchanting music by Tina Kenny, and a delightful array of mocktails, cocktails, fine teas and light bites.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in afternoon elegance and let their creativity shine with wonderland-inspired hats.
A special hat contest will add an extra touch of fun, with a prize awarded for the most imaginative look.
Adding to the heart of the event, every dollar donated will be matched 2:1 through the generous Diamond Matching Grant from the Staten Island Foundation — tripling the impact of each contribution and helping to ensure the continued vibrancy of the St. George Theatre for generations to come.
“Thanks to the Staten Island Foundation, our supporters’ generosity will go further than ever,” said Luanne Sorrentino, co-founder.
“Events like this are about more than fundraising — they’re about bringing people together in joyful, creative ways while preserving the magic of the St. George Theatre,” added Doreen Cugno, CEO and Co-Founder.
The afternoon will be made even more special with graciously donated catering from Italianissimo Ristorante, beautiful centerpieces by Flowers by Bernard, and elegant chinaware provided by Nothing New Antique Thrift Shop — all coming together to create an unforgettable experience.
WhatDesigner Pocketbook Bingo Tea PartyWhenSaturday, January 17, 2026
11:00 a.m.WhereSt. George Theatre — Majestic StageTickets$95 per personRSVP / Ticketshttps://stgeorgetheatre.com/events/winter-in-wonderland-tea-party-sponsored-by-empire-state-bank/Learn Morewww.stgeorgetheatre.com
Pictured at the event are, from left, Marina Korshunova, Michelle Swiney McCombs, Michele Durkin, Madison Gattullo, Susan Vuono, Kelly Peterson, Kim Vigorito, Cugno, Sorrentino, Alison Galdorisi, Sylvia Pace-Diaz and Jessica Mees. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna)
ABOUT THE DIAMOND MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
The Staten Island Foundation’s Diamond Matching Grant Program is a new initiative created to honor founding board member Alice B. Diamond.
Its purpose is to strengthen those organizations by helping them grow and diversify their fundraising efforts.
The program grew out of Diamond’s long-standing belief that the Foundation should continually increase its support for local nonprofit organizations.
“We’re asking our grantees to look at the many resources available to them, such as their supporters, audiences, board members, and strategize about how to raise new money with the incentive that the Foundation will match the new money raised on a $2-to-$1 basis that can be used for general operating support,” explained Laura Jean Watters, executive director of the Staten Island Foundation.
Watters emphasized that the initiative reflects Diamond’s tireless advocacy for the nonprofit community.
“Alice consistently urges us to do more for our non-profit colleagues. And she always does more herself,” Watters said. “Making phone calls, connecting potential partners, encouraging donations. She is our community’s best cheerleader.
“The Diamond Matching Grant Program and the Diamond Forum are inspired by her passion for helping the non-profits be successful.”