{"id":5721,"date":"2025-10-17T00:00:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T00:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/5721\/"},"modified":"2025-10-17T00:00:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T00:00:24","slug":"sundog-theatre-honors-3-staten-island-arts-champions-at-2025-benefit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/5721\/","title":{"rendered":"Sundog Theatre honors 3 Staten Island arts champions at 2025 benefit"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Sundog Theatre\u2019s annual \u201cCome to the Carnival\u201d benefit brought together educators and community members Wednesday night at LiGreci\u2019s Staaten to celebrate the power of the arts and honor three Staten Islanders whose work has strengthened the borough\u2019s creative community.<\/p>\n

The event recognized Staten Island Advance \u201cInside Out\u201d columnist Carol Ann Benanti; Dennis McKeon, executive director of Where to Turn and founder of The Prop Shop; and Yvette Washington-Wheatley, a longtime music educator and director of several community ensembles. Each honoree was celebrated for their steadfast devotion to the arts and their contributions to Staten Island\u2019s cultural and educational life.<\/p>\n

Others in attendance included Sundog Theatre staff and board members, such as Susan Fenley, executive and artistic director; Chris Ferrera, board member; Ellen Petillo, business manager; Victoria Colella, production manager; Julie Cadunzi, general manager; and Elyssa Paige, arts in education manager, among others.<\/p>\n

The evening also highlighted Sundog Theatre\u2019s ongoing impact on the community. <\/p>\n

\"SundogSusan Fenley at the Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

\u201cSundog has been telling stories that matter, stories that connect, inspire and educate, and whether it\u2019s through our original productions, our touring shows, our acting classes, or arts education in schools, we aim to expand how people see themselves and the world through the arts,\u201d said Fenley.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here to celebrate three remarkable honorees whose work reflects the heart and soul of Staten Island,\u201d she added. <\/p>\n

Following Fenley\u2019s remarks, each honoree was recognized for their contributions to Staten Island\u2019s arts and education community by receiving the Sundog Theatre Arts Champion 2025 award, along with certificates of recognition and honor on behalf of local elected officials.<\/p>\n

\"SundogBrian Laline, Susan Fenley, honoree Carol Ann Benanti and Chris Ferrera at the Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Carol Ann Benanti, \u201cInside Out\u201d columnist, a feature writer, and arts and entertainment reporter for Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com, was presented with her award by Brian Laline, executive editor of the Advance and a longtime friend and colleague. Laline praised Benanti for becoming \u201cthe heart of people\u2019s source of news on Staten Island.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SundogHonoree Carol Ann Benanti at the Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

In her remarks, Benanti highlighted Sundog Theatre\u2019s contributions to the community and the role of the Advance in sharing stories that connect and inform Staten Islanders.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be counted among these two exceptional individuals is a privilege beyond words,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"SundogHonoree Dennis McKeon with Susan Fenley, Ed Burke and Chris Ferrera at the Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct. 8. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Dennis McKeon, executive director of Where to Turn and founder of The Prop Shop, was presented with his award by environmental advocate Ed Burke. Burke praised McKeon for his dedication to the community, saying he \u201cfinds a need in our community and he does his damnedest to fill that. He uses compassion and his ingenuity to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SundogHonoree Dennis McKeon at the Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8, (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

In his remarks, McKeon thanked Sundog Theatre for the honor and shared how he first got into theatre through his son, James. Highlighting the value of theatre as an outlet for students, he said, \u201cShakespeare said the whole world is a stage. We\u2019re just trying to help people figure out the plot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SundogSusan Fenley, Mark Weissman, Yvette Washington-Wheatley, an honoree, and Chris Ferrera at the Sundog Theatre’s annual fundraiser held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct. 8. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Yvette Washington-Wheatley, a longtime music educator and director of several community ensembles, was presented with her award by Mark Weissman, chairman of the arts at Staten Island Academy, Todt Hill. Weissman expressed his admiration, saying she helps everyone in her community, makes children feel seen and heard, and is \u201cso much more than a gifted and master teacher of music.\u201d<\/p>\n

Said Washington-Wheatley: \u201cIt\u2019s always humbling to be acknowledged for something I just love to do,I can\u2019t think of anything that brings me more joy than watching the progress of children through the use of music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SundogHonorees Yvette Washington-Wheatley,Carol Ann Benanti with Sundog Executive Director Susan Fenley on Oct.8, 2025.(Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com) – Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit was\u00a0 held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8.Steve White\"SundogThe Sundog Theatre held it’s annual benefit at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8, 2025.(Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com) – Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit was\u00a0 held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8.Steve White<\/p>\n

The carnival-themed event featured performances, games, activities, and raffle stations. Guests could try their luck at the ring and bean bag toss games, have their portraits drawn by a local artist, or get tarot card readings sponsored by Dr. Janet Leslie and Del Rey, Tanzi, Guglietta, D\u2019Ambrosi CPAs LLC.<\/p>\n

\"SundogThe Sundog Theatre held it’s annual benefit at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8, 2025.(Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com) – Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit was\u00a0 held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8.Steve White\"SundogThe Sundog Theatre held it’s annual benefit at LiGreci’s Staaten. From the left, Marge Hack, Yvette-Washington Wheatley, honoree,\u00a0
\nMark Weissman,and Kate Rooney.\u00a0(Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

A raffle, sponsored by Comserv Connect, offered prizes, including gift baskets from local businesses, tickets to a Brooklyn Cyclones game, piano lessons with Hoffman Academy, signed memorabilia, gift cards to sports bars, and tickets to St. George Theatre\u2019s production of The Wizard of Oz.<\/p>\n

\"SundogThe Sundog Theatre held it’s annual benefit at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8. From the left, Dana Walker-Boyd, Carol Ann Benanti, honoree and Alice Diamond. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White\"SundogThe Sundog Theatre staff at the annual benefit held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8, 2025.(Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com) – Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit was\u00a0 held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8.Steve White<\/p>\n

A silent auction included items, such as artwork by Sam Brandon, a $5,000 private photography session with an overnight luxury stay, and tickets to Broadway shows with hotel accommodations. <\/p>\n

\"SundogThe Sundog Theatre held it’s annual benefit at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8, 2025. Lorna Harris shares a dance with Ed Burke, former Deputy Borough President. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White\"SundogMarjorie Hack and Brian Laline at the Sundog Theatre’s annual benefit held at LiGreci’s Staaten on Oct.8. (Steve White for the Advance\/SILive.com)Steve White<\/p>\n

Sponsorships for the event were matched 2-to-1 by the Staten Island Foundation\u2019s Diamond Match Grant.<\/p>\n

About Sundog Theatre<\/p>\n

The evening also highlighted Sundog Theatre\u2019s role in the community. Last year, the theatre produced 106 programs on Staten Island, helping children become more engaged with learning through the arts. Sundog\u2019s work in the borough continues to be deeply involved and transformational, offering opportunities that enrich the community and inspire creativity.<\/p>\n

Sundog Theatre\u2019s impact on the community was a central theme of the night. According to Fenley, the theatre reaches thousands of students, adults, and seniors each year, bringing theatre, music, movement, and visual arts into classrooms across New York City. Last year, Sundog\u2019s school programs reached more than 20,000 students, and its educational tours were seen by over 12,000 people across the tri-state area.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see firsthand how creative expression builds confidence, empathy, and curiosity, and how it educates,\u201d Fenley said. \u201cThat\u2019s why your support matters so deeply. It ensures we can continue to serve schools and communities with the things they need the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Sundog Theatre\u2019s annual \u201cCome to the Carnival\u201d benefit brought together educators and community members…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5722,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":["post-5721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-staten-island","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-staten-island","tag-staten-island-headlines","tag-staten-island-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5721","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=5721"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5721\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}