Fundraiser For Kenyan Children A Huge Success

Fr. Gabriel Muteru delivering his Opening Speech The first major fundraiser organized by the St. John's Kenyan Children's Foundation was held on Saturday, April 21st at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale. The event drew close to 300 guests, who enjoyed the taste of several international wines, and participated in a 50/50 raffle, Chinese and Silent Auctions. Fr. Gabriel Muteru, Honorary Chairman, greeted all the guest as they arrived, and offered a very eloquent speech about the foundation's mission and its plan to help the orphans in Kenya.

The atmosphere was festive and the spirit of giving was overwhelming. It was a very special evening shared by people of faith with a strong desire to make a change in the lives of many orphan Kenyan children in need.

Congratulations to the lucky winners of the 50/50 Raffle, Chinese and Silent Auctions:

Bob Gulmi, Marie Hartmann, Carolyn Gearns, Lilian Mora, Lisa Aldoroty, Brian Winter, Mary Broyles, Ellen Diller, Elaine Brennan, Ralph Pastore, Dr. Maryanne Alongi, J. Nagel, Dr. Laura Esposito, K.C. Tomao, J. Gans, Claire Barbadillo, Ed Thomas, Gregg Matzelle, Dr. Joe Como, Peter Tomao, Ann Paulson, Marygene Anderson and Tom and Fonda Albertrani

Ralph Pastore donates his basket to Volunteer Marty Waters The Foundation would like to thank all the generous donors of prizes for the Auctions, the guests who contributed with their presence and generosity, and the volunteers who helped to put together this event. Special thanks to Kellenberg Memorial High School and the Marianist Community for lending the facility to host this fundraiser.

Maria McKenna,Ellen Giordano, Barbara Debold, Ann Colucci, Jean Madelmayer, Ellen Gamber Volunteers Frankie Billanti,Tim Debold, Kieran Doctor, Brian Debold, Fr. Gabriel and Lorelyn Fitzgerald Board Members Dan & Barbara Debold, Aggie & Tom Barden, Kathy Billanti, Fr. Gabriel, Jay & Rosemary Fitzgerald Katelin Tambasco & Lorelyn Fitzgerald selling chances Gerda Schoffelen celebrates with her family Guests enjoying wine and dessert Dr. Joe Como and friends Kathy Billanti, Trustee, with Terry and Vivian Tener Aggie Barden, Rosemary Fitzgerald and Barbara Debold greeting guests Special Guest Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, Principal of Kellenberg Memorial High School with a friend Marty and Marta Waters celebrate the success of the Lenten Project Annemarie & Jim Proce Bob Gulmi, Winner of the 50/50 Raffle, with Deacon Jack McKenna Kathy Billanti, Rosemary Fitzgerald and Fr. Gabriel Muteru greeting guests Regina Harte, Lorraine Levano & Marta Waters Sue Larkin, Barbara Debold and Ellen Gamber tasting the wine Trustees Kathy and Frank Billanti with Walter Villegas Chaminade Class '72: Dr. Paul Callahan, Jack McKenna, Martin Waters Jeanne & John Nason with Michelene Samuel Fr. Gabriel Muteru celebrates with Fr. Andiy Egargo Frank & Kathy Billanti, with Diane Santulli and Rosemary Fitzgerald Special guest Fr. Andiy Egargo with Lucy Agrawal