Multi-Media Program Raises Funds for Save the Children

Event sponsors Pat Spafford, owner and executive chef of Periwinkles in Oyster Bay, Attila Hejja, director of The Stevenson Academy of Arts in Oyster Bay, and photographers Connie Brunner and Doug Going with Save the Children Long Island Conference president Gloria Kruse (center) and event co-chair Sabina Blohm (right).

The multi-media digital program Nicaragua...A La Orden!, produced and presented by noted travel photographer and Long Islander Doug Going, recently drew more than 60 friends, supporters, and guests of the Save the Children Leadership Council of Long Island to The Stevenson Academy of Fine Arts in Oyster Bay.

Mr. Going created the program from photographs he took last summer on a month-long journey to Nicaragua, where, with his wife and fellow photographer Conny Brunner, he assembled a poignant and absorbing portfolio featuring the enormously captivating people of this poor yet vibrant country.

Mr. Going set the most compelling of these photographs to the music of Nicaragua along with his own narration. The program's title, roughly translated as Nicaragua...At Your Service refers both to the well-known hospitality of the Nicaraguan people and to the photographers' desire to return the good will.

"Regardless of the many hardships Nicaraguans face, wherever you go you are greeted with the phrase 'a la orden,'" Mr. Going said. "From the oldest adult right down to the youngest child, from posing for pictures with complete strangers, to a homeless man willing to chat in the street, to passing by an open doorway and finding yourself invited into the lives of a few men while they sort beans-a warm welcoming pride seems to us to be essence of Nicaragua."

The audience, drawn from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties, gathered for the program in a beautiful space at Stevenson Academy thanks to the support of Academy Director Attila Hejja. All enjoyed spirits and distinctive cocktail cuisine throughout the evening provided by Pat Spafford, owner and executive chef of Periwinkles, and Debbie Lane, principal of Testa Wine Distributors. Mr. Going and Ms. Brunner also were on hand for conversation.

The atmosphere was further enhanced by the Stevenson Academy's current art exhibition featuring the work of well-known trompe l'oeil artist John Albright, music performed by the pianist John Schwartzberg, and scented jasmine trees and large colorful planters on loan from Hicks Nursery. Len Marks, owner of Len Marks Photography of Cold Spring Harbor, captured the evening in candid and posed pictures of guests and friends.

Since all items that made the presentation possible were donated, all proceeds will be contributed to the Save the Children Leadership Council of Long Island. At its annual meeting in September, the council will distribute these and other funds raised during the year to the neediest and most compelling Save the Children programs.

The Long Island Council's next fundraising activity will be its annual Polo Cup and Twilight Barbecue on Saturday, June 23, at Meadowbrook Polo Club in Westbury, an event that includes activities for the entire family.

This year Save the Children, USA, celebrates 75 years of service to children. The Leadership Council of Long Island helps to meet the national organization's mission of creating real and lasting change by supporting Save the Children programs through fundraising events and educational outreach.