{"id":49725,"date":"2025-11-23T23:30:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T23:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/49725\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T23:30:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T23:30:11","slug":"global-medical-relief-funds-evening-of-hope-hosts-more-than-200-at-ligrecis-staaten","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/49725\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Medical Relief Fund\u2019s \u2018Evening of Hope\u2019 hosts more than 200 at LiGreci\u2019s Staaten"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 On an evening filled with the spirit of togetherness, compassion, creativity \u2014 and great company \u2014 more than 200 revelers gathered in LiGreci\u2019s Staaten on Friday for \u201cAn Evening of Hope,\u201d as a way to support the work of The Global Medical Relief Fund. <\/p>\n

A vibrant mix of community leaders and local heroes were united by a common goal that night: to assist the local charity whose mission is to aid children who are victims of war, natural disasters, or other catastrophes worldwide. <\/p>\n

The GMRF provides care, kindness and access to free medical treatments.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1\/85<\/p>\n

The Global Medical Relief Fund<\/p>\n

Honored during the evening\u2019s fare were Donna Jungreis, and James and Kathleen McBratney who received the Lifetime Ambassador Award.<\/p>\n

The Community Partner Award was presented to The Ladies of Philoptochos Society, the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.<\/p>\n

Stacey and Peter Montanti co-chaired the event.<\/p>\n

From the podium<\/p>\n

In addressing the crowd from the podium at the West Brighton banquet venue, Elissa Montanti, founder and executive director of the organization, spoke poignant words:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe charity is about hope, humanity and healing,\u201d she said. \u201cI founded my charity on the premise to try to make a difference in the lives of children. My charity and my kids are my world. The supporters are my family and friends are all who make it spin \u2014 not to mention my band \u2018Mercury Rising\u2019 who keep it all in sweet tune. Thanks to Dr. Michael Gastaldi, Dr. David Hoffman and and Dr. Scott Kozen, who oversee my children and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection who are my angels as are my volunteers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. Robert W. Anderson speaks from the podium. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Robert W. Anderson, chairman of the Board of Directors, took the mic:<\/p>\n

\u201cFor three decades she has been helping over 500 kids,\u201d he noted. \u201cThese children who are suffering from devastating illnesses, from war, hate, and who are inarguably challenged. It all happened from the impact and unwavering dedication of Elissa Montanti. Thank you for your leadership. She continues to inspire all of us. We want to thank everyone from doctors to medical staff at Shriner\u2019s Hospital who give children the futures they deserve, to employees and board members and what you all do each and every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anderson went on to speak about the board\u2019s desire to extend the \u201cDare to Dream House,\u201d \u2014 the Arrochar home where the children of GMRF receive lodging, food and comfort \u2014 to include an upper floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext year we are working toward that goal. Thank you to our supporters. Thank you for standing with us. Together we will restore hope and ensure no child is ever forgotten,\u201d said Anderson.<\/p>\n

A congratulatory video presentation highlighting the work of GMRF, showcased greetings from a number of health care professionals, including, Dr. Scott Kozen and his team at Shriners Children\u2019s Hospital, Dr. Michael Gastaldi, a doctor of dental surgery; house pediatrician Dr. Arthur Buonaspina, and Dr. David Hoffman, who continues to describe Montanti as Staten Island\u2019s \u201ctrue angel,\u201d and Daniel Messina, president and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center, who credited Montanti for her incredible accomplishments throughout the years, as well as members of the Customs and Border Protection.<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. Roseann Gastaldi, third from left, and Dr. Michael Gastaldi, center, and family members and friends. Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Montanti explained the gala isn\u2019t only the organization\u2019s major fundraiser, it also serves as a homecoming of sorts for all of the children who she has helped.<\/p>\n

\u201cTogether, we are building a brighter future, and your support tonight makes that future possible, she noted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe room at The Staaten was brimming with goodness, love and inspiration. Many times I weld up with tears for its overflow of compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Global\"– The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. Peter, Gianna and Stacey Montanti. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Montanti would credit co-chairs Stacey and Peter Montanti for their unwavering dedication, dilgence and the positive impact they\u2019ve had on the Global Medical Relief Fund throughout the years.<\/p>\n

The children of GMRF<\/p>\n

Montanti would then introduce children who were afforded medical care from GMRF: <\/p>\n

\u201cThey are Tanzanian children with albinism,\u201d said Montanti, an Advance Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2011, in speaking of the boys and girls who\u2019ve stayed at the Dare to Dream House who come back for medical treatment year after year.<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov. 21,2025. Artist Emmanuel Rutema and Elissa Montanti. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

\u201cThese children are hunted for their body parts because of a sick superstition that dictates its good luck because they are albino,\u201d and with that she introduced Emanuel, an artist who painted the Statue of Liberty which was part of a live auction.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are the children we help. I love these kids,\u201d Montanti continued.<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov. 21,2025. Emmanuel Rutema and Monica Watson. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve WhiteU.S. Customs and Border Protection<\/p>\n

Frank Russo, director of field operations at the New York Office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, who and a resident of Prince\u2019s Bay, offered remarks on Montanti\u2019s charity.<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov. 21,2025. From the left, Tony Provesti, Elissa Montanti, Frank Russo and Helen Parker. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

\u201cElissa represents the very best humanity has to offer,\u201d he stated. \u201cI represent U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). My staff here tonight represents the best we have to offer these kids who come through airports. They\u2019re scared and when we greet them we give them a smile. Our jobs are sometimes not easy, but we love to help these kids. We are happy to be part of this organization. Thank you and God bless you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Honorees<\/p>\n

Montanti would then go on to introduce honoree, Jungreis, who she\u2019s known since childhood.<\/p>\n

\u201cDonna\u2019s a nurse and she\u2019s poured her love into everything she does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. Honoree, Donna Jungreis and Elissa Montanti. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

In accepting her award Jungreis commented: \u201cElissa said it all. She called me one day when she was in Philly where she takes the children for care and that was the beginning. I am so happy to be part of GMRF. Thank you to all of you who are part of Elissa\u2019s organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of the Montanti family, my wife Stacey, and daughter, Gianna, I\u2019d like to welcome all of you this evening to the 27th annual Evening of Hope, commented Peter Montanti before introducing honorees, James and Kathleen McBratney.<\/p>\n

\u201cJames and Kathleen McBratney are well-known icons in our community \u2014 true beacons of light whose selflessness, drive, and generosity continue to uplift the less fortunate. Kathleen is a recently retired Board of Education teacher of over 31 years who served as a chapter leader for the UFT. They have served on many boards and Kathleen is a founding member of the Silver Lake Kiwanis Club.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile everyone on Staten Island knows Jimmy Max, what many may not realize is how deeply Jimmy and Kathleen support numerous non-profit organizations, including the GRACE Foundation, our veterans and our very own GMRF, among a number of others. Please save the date: Jan. 15, 2026 \u2014 and remember, you must dine in at Jimmy Max, where 50% of the profits will benefit GMRF.”<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. Honorees, James and Kathleen McBratney. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

In accepting his award, McBratney said: \u201cThey say behind every man is a better woman,\u2019 in referencing his wife. \u201cI also find it very humbling to be mentioned in the same breath as Elissa Montanti, a powerful, impressive and impactful woman….. If everyone in this room can do something for someone, what a better world we would have. Thank you and God bless you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025.\u00a0 From the left, Peter Montanti and Kathleen and James McBratney. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov. 21,2025. From the left, Sandra Mastropietro, Diane Peruggia, Lisa Sassi, Kayla McBratney and Kathleen McBratney, honoree. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov. 21,2025. From the left, Duane Snell, James McBratney, honoree, Thomas Carrera, Matt Christie, and Liam McBratney. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Peter Montanti spoke volumes about The Ladies of Philoptochos Society.<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. Elissa Montanti and Dee Sidiropoulos, president of\u00a0
\nThe Ladies of Philoptochos Society, \u00a0(Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. Honorees, the ladies and gentlemen of the\u00a0
\nPhiloptochos Society. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

\u201cWe salute and honor the Ladies of the Philoptochos Society. The word \u201cPhiloptochos,\u201d in Greek (\u03a6\u03b9\u03bb\u03cc\u03c0\u03c4\u03c9\u03c7\u03bf\u03c2) means \u2018friend of the poor.\u2019 Philoptochos is a nationwide, women-led organization. GMRF is honored to recognize this group of Staten Islanders. They are tireless with their efforts. Never underestimate an organization of tireless women. Thank you for your heartwarming efforts. And God bless. These ladies are dedicated to charitable works, community service and spiritual growth. Their Society is the compassionate arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, offering help to those in need with a mission that includes giving aid to the poor, the destitute, the handicapped, and the victims of disaster. They have been part of GMRF\u2019s Allies-in-Care for over a decade when first learning about the organization\u2019s mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dee Sidiropoulos, president of the organization accepted the award:<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for that introduction. When I received the letter from Elissa Montanti I was truly honored. The compassion and love shown by GMRF is truly inspirational. Thank you all for this honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

And with that the organization presented a check for $5,000 to GMRF.<\/p>\n

The Entertainment<\/p>\n

Musical entertainment was provided by deejay Vinny Toscano of Black Tie.<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov. 21,2025. Larry Liedy and Elissa Montanti. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Mercury Rising, a rock group, joined Elissa in singing \u201cRise to Care,\u201d an original tune written by Montanti and Nat Seeley that was performed together with Nawang Tsetin.<\/p>\n

\"Global\"The Global Medical Relief Fund held it’s “Evening of Hope” at LiGreci’s Staaten on Nov.21,2025. From the left, Nat Seeley, Burt Kramer, Michael McMahon and Elissa Montanti. Looking on is Nwang Tsetin.\u00a0 (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

\u201cLast night we did an acoustic version of \u2018Rise to Care\u2019 a song that my drummer Nat Seeley and I wrote for the charity,\u201d said Elissa Montanti. \u201cWe also sang \u2018Heroes\u2019 because everyone in the room was a hero to me on Friday night.\u201d<\/p>\n

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