{"id":110311,"date":"2026-01-23T21:31:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T21:31:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/110311\/"},"modified":"2026-01-23T21:31:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T21:31:40","slug":"staten-islands-best-dressed-st-george-theatre-designer-pocketbook-bingo-tea-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/110311\/","title":{"rendered":"Staten Island\u2019s Best Dressed: St. George Theatre Designer Pocketbook Bingo Tea Party"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 The historic St. George Theatre transformed its iconic stage into an elegant tea-party setting on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 17, as about 100 elegantly clad ladies and gentlemen gathered for the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo Tea Party.<\/p>\n

From the moment guests arrived, they were warmly welcomed by St. George Theatre co-founders Doreen Cugno and Luanne Sorrentino, who greeted each attendee personally, complimenting their tea-rific attire and whimsical fascinators and bonnets. <\/p>\n

Adding to the charm, guests were delighted with chocolate favors generously provided by On Your Mark Chocolatiers, setting a sweet tone for the first-ever event.<\/p>\n

The fundraiser supported the beloved nonprofit\u2019s arts and community programs, while offering attendees a truly one-of-a-kind experience.<\/p>\n

The event combined afternoon elegance with lighthearted fun, featuring designer pocketbook bingo, live music by Tina Kenny, and a curated selection of mocktails, cocktails, fine teas and light bites. <\/p>\n

\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. Pictured are Lori Weintrob and her daughter, Sophia Papas. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)<\/p>\n

The highlight of the afternoon was the event\u2019s unique setting: guests were seated directly on the famed St. George Theatre stage, adding a sense of history and magic to the experience. <\/p>\n

The opportunity to enjoy tea, conversation and bingo where legendary performers once stood made the gathering especially memorable, as guests looked out into the majestic auditorium and recently renovated, glistening interior while enjoying the catered brunch.<\/p>\n

Guests embraced the whimsical theme, many arriving in afternoon finery and wonderland-inspired hats, which were showcased during a spirited hat contest that awarded a prize for the most imaginative look.<\/p>\n

Bingo proved to be a major source of excitement throughout the afternoon, thanks in large part to board member Robert Kasegrande, whose energetic and engaging calling style kept the room laughing and cheering. <\/p>\n

By the end of the event, some attendees jokingly dubbed him \u201cthe Bob Barker of Staten Island,\u201d a nickname that quickly caught on as the crowd enjoyed round after round of play.<\/p>\n

\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)<\/p>\n

The tablescapes added to the charm of the afternoon, featuring feminine and beautifully arranged d\u00e9cor. Centerpieces were generously donated by Flowers by Bernard.<\/p>\n

Designer pocketbooks served as bingo prizes and raffle items, adding an extra thrill for many participants.<\/p>\n

The event\u2019s success was further enhanced by the generosity of local supporters. Catering was graciously donated by Italianissimo Ristorante, and elegant chinaware was provided by Nothing New Antique Thrift Shop, creating a refined and cohesive tea-party atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Beyond the festivities, the fundraiser carried significant impact. Every dollar raised was matched 2:1 through the Diamond Matching Grant from the Staten Island Foundation, tripling contributions and helping to ensure the continued vibrancy of the St. George Theatre for future generations.<\/p>\n

\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to the Staten Island Foundation, our supporters\u2019 generosity will go further than ever,\u201d said Sorrentino.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvents like this are about more than fundraising \u2014 they\u2019re about bringing people together in joyful, creative ways while preserving the magic of the St. George Theatre,\u201d added Cugno.<\/p>\n

Scroll below for a glimpse into the intimate, \u201cfun-raising\u201d event at the St. George Theatre.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"(CourtesyTamara Keshecki, left, and Tina Kenny-Jones enjoy the event. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesySt. George Theatre team members pose for a photo: (l-r) Susan Vuono, Tamara Keshecki, Sylvia Pace Diaz, Kelly Peterson and Madison Gattullo. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyPictured (l-r) are Luanne Sorrentino, Rob Kasegrande, Leslie Kasegrande, Doreen Cugno, and Dana Walker Boyd. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. Pictured are (l-r) Dana Walker-Boyd, Michelle Swiney McCombs and Jennifer von Graevnitz. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe event was supported by Pete Mastropaolo, Sylvia Pace-Diaz, Madison Gattullo and Jessica Mees. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyThe St. George Theatre hosted an afternoon of elegance, laughter, and generosity on Jan. 17, 2026, at the inaugural Designer Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser. Pictured are Amelia Gordon and her mom, Sarah Gordon. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyPictured (l-r) are: Doreen Cugno, Colleen Connors, Kathy Connors, Dr. Gracelyn Santos, Robin Macron, Josie Collini, Cynthia Zero, Kate Jaenicke, and Paige Farrell Egan. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyJacqueline Armani and her mom, Samira Armani, left, are joined by Lorrain Said Hanalla at the St. George Theatre event. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)\"(CourtesyBoard members are pictured with Doreen Cugno and Luanne Sorrentino, co-founders of the St. Geroge Theatre. They are: Dr. Gracelyn Santos, Rob Kasegrande, Kathy Connors, Gail Castellano, and Dana Wallker-Boyd. (Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)(Courtesy Rosie Larstanna\/Say “Cheese” Photography)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 The historic St. George Theatre transformed its iconic stage into an elegant tea-party setting…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":110312,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":{"0":"post-110311","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-staten-island","8":"tag-new-york","9":"tag-new-york-city","10":"tag-nyc","11":"tag-staten-island","12":"tag-staten-island-headlines","13":"tag-staten-island-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110311"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110311\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/110312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110311"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}