STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When the holiday season is in full swing, it’s time for the Emergency Children’s Help Organization’s (ECHO’s) annual Grant Recipient Dinner, a festive event staged each year in Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Children and families of ECHO stop to pause for a group photo at the annual Christmas party in Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Through the generosity of ECHO, more than 300 parents and children joined together for the candy-cane-themed dinner for families who’ve benefited from the support of the foundation.
Santa made a surprise visit and presented gifts to children and each family was awarded a gift tower filled with snacks and sweet treats.
(Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Children of all ages and their families got to visit with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Angie Galano and Reed Rinon. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Sebastian Angelico, ECHO’s founder and chairman, noted the event serves as a time for families of children with special needs to gather and interact, while affording board members, children and families a time to get to know one another.
District Attorney Michael McMahon, Sebastian Angelico and Pasquale Loporcaro. (Courtesy/Joey G Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
“On behalf of everyone at ECHO, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each of our ECHO recipients for attending our Eighth Annual Holiday Recipients Dinner. Your presence made the day truly special.”
An Echo family delights in meeting Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Children who were eager to show off their smooth moves on the dance floor, received hula hoops, sunglasses, hats and a warm and cozy ECHO blanket from Santa.
Everyone smiles while visiting Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
A family enjoys all the amenities at the holiday party. (Courtesy/Joey G Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
A family of four wave to the camera while visiting Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video)Staten Island Advance
A child enjoys playing with her hula hoop. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Brothers visit with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Makng Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Children in holiday attire pause to visit with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Children and adults enjoy a visit with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
A member of an ECHO family gets to hug Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Santa stretches his arms out around an ECHO family. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
A family enjoys visiting with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & PhotosStaten Island Advance
“This event is a reminder of the strength of our community and the importance of coming together during the holiday season. It was an honor to share this day with our ECHO Family,” said Vincent Angelico, vice chair of ECHO.
Anthony, Susan, Vincent and Sebastian Angelico smile along with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
A family portrait with Santa himself. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Santa waves as an ECHO family poses proudly at his side. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
(Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photo)Staten Island Advance
Pasquale Loporcaro, executive director of ECHO, added: “We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate, connect, and spend time with one another. We look forward to continuing this journey together and hope to see everyone again at future events.”
An ECHO family delights in visiting with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Florence Angelico, and Carol and Anthony Angelico. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon and City Councilman Frank Morano were also on hand to mix and mingle with ECHO families.
Joseph Biondolillo Jr. and Joseph Biondolillo, Sebastian Angelico, Pasquale and Vincent Loporcaro. (Courtesy/Joey G Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Gary and Sabrina Fleming, top, and Joseph, Julia and Christine DelDuca visit with Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Vincent D’Elia, Kyle Schifter, Cory Schifter and Vincent Scamardella (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Sabrina and Gary Fleming of Emerald Elite Realty donated a photo booth to make fun memories. Kelly and Eddie Scalzo of Country Donuts donated glazed donuts. Luann and Paul Serra donated Tate’s cookies. Gianna Roloph donated a balloon arch.
Eddie Scalzo, Vincent and Carol D’Elia and Giuliana Scalzo (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Vincent D’Elia, Sebastian Angelico, Councilman Frank Morano, Christine DelDuca and Pasquale Loporcaro (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Deejay entertainment was provided by Partners in Sounds and videos and photos by Joey G Making Memories.
Balloon centerpieces were handcrafted by Chocolate Fantasy.
Phyllis Marone, left, and Nicholas Marone, right, and family members visit Santa. (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
Joan Discenza and Liberta Macco (Courtesy/Joey G Making Memories Video & Photos)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Sabrina Fleming, Gianna and Michele Roloph, Marissa Meduri, Angie Galano, Denise M. Stallone and Jestine Giardina. (Courtesy/Joey G Memories Video & PhotosStaten Island Advance