STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island hosted its annual Sunshine Sunday on Feb. 1 at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.
The fundraiser brought together nearly 200 community members and businesspeople for an evening of philanthropy and camaraderie for a great cause.
The event benefits the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp–Staten Island, a free summer camp that restores the joys of childhood for children with cancer and their siblings.
This year’s Sunshine Sunday committee, chaired by Dr. Andrew Olsen and Gabriella DeLuca Garrone, honored four community leaders for their dedication and support: Roosevelt Board, Enza Bocuzzi, Carol Doodian-Russo, and The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad.
The camp, a proud member of the Sunrise Association, is located on the campus of Staten Island Academy and operates on a non-sectarian basis.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad received the Sunrise Spirit Award at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC annual Sunshine Sunday on Feb. 1 at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.(Courtesy Kara Roche)
Recognizing the extraordinary financial strain chronic illness can place on families, Sunrise Day Camp–Staten Island is offered completely free of charge. Funds raised during Sunshine Sunday help ensure that every child who needs the program can attend at no cost.
The evening’s emotional centerpiece came from Danielle Savarese, a parent of Sunrise campers, who shared her family’s journey and spoke movingly about the camp’s lasting impact on her children.
“Each year at Sunshine Sunday, we see such incredible support from our committee, sponsors and guests,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC. “Thank you to all who made this such a meaningful day that makes it possible for children with cancer and their siblings to make the beautiful summer memories they deserve.”
The success of Sunshine Sunday was made possible by the support of its event sponsors. Bensonhurst Bay Ridge Kiwanis served as the presenting sponsor, with Jay Chazanoff as event sponsor and DVM Industries as gold sponsor.
Honoree Carol Doodian Russo, second from right, receives her award at the Sunshine Sunday event.(Courtesy Kara Roche)
Silver sponsors included Gotham Lighting Supply, Richmond University Medical Center, Sara Bloom, Carmela DeLuca, Camille Fortunato, Frank Oswald, Lynne Persing and David Sorkin. Andrew Olsen participated as a bronze sponsor.
Additional support was provided by decor underwriters Cassone Leasing, Inc. and Terina Restaurant. Journal advertisers included gold page sponsors Lioni Italian Heroes and Mid City Electrical Corp.
The silver page advertiser was John Reilly; full page advertisers were NYS Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo and Linda Brill; and half page advertisers were Hook and Rail, Moravian Florist and Weinstein, Garlick, Kirschenbaum Chapels.
Scroll below for a glimpse into the intimate, “fun-raising” event at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.
To be considered for future installments of this column, please send high-resolution photos with a brief description of the event and names of everyone pictured to gsantos@siadvance.com.
Honoree Roosevelt Board received the Sunrise Leadership Award at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island annual Sunshine Sunday on Feb. 1 at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.(Courtesy Kara Roche)
Nancy and Joe Delaney, center, and guests pose for a photo at The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island’s annual Sunshine Sunday on Feb. 1 at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.(Courtesy Kara Roche)
The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island hosted its annual Sunshine Sunday on Feb. 1 at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Kara Roche)
Pictured are (l-r) Enza Bocuzzi, Gabriella DeLuca Garrone, Carol Doodian-Russo, Jennifer Russo, Jennifer Reinhart, Gail Castellano, Lynne Persing, George Christo, Lauren Puttini, Brendan O’Neill, Roosevelt Board, Dr. Andrew Olsen. Courtesy Kara Roche
Danielle Savarese and Jay Chazanoff pose for a photo at Sunshine Sunday. Courtesy Kara Roche
Pictured (l-r) are Brendan O’Neill, Lauren Puttini, Enza Bocuzzi, Orit Lender, Jay Chazanoff, Christine Meyer, Carol Doodian-Russo, Roosevelt Board. Courtesy Kara Roche
Pictured are Ben Bay Kiwanis members with Orit Lender, Jay Chazanoff, David Lutzker, Gabriella DeLuca Garrone, and Dr. Andrew Olsen. Courtesy Kara Roche
Pictured are Gabriella DeLuca Garrone, left, Orit Lender, and Dr. Andrew Olsen.Courtesy Kara Roche
Picured are (l-r) Mike Cama, Anthony Reinhart, Gabriella DeLuca Garrone, Anthony Gochal, Tom Olsen, Carol Bongiovi, Sue Sappin, Angela Olsen, Dr. Andrew Olsen.
Courtesy Kara Roche