Photos by John Ellis Kordes

Eight Commerce Bank associates in colorful jockey silks pitched in to help. On June 3, Commerce Bank was the host and sponsor for the Garden City Chamber of Commerce Foundation's gala After Hours Networking Reception to celebrate the Belmont Stakes on June 7. Adding to the festivities was the attendance of several thoroughbred racing celebrities and New York Racing Association (NYRA) officials.

A complimentary event, courtesy of Commerce Bank, proceeds from raffle prizes benefited the Chamber Foundation, whose mission it is to provide scholarships for deserving Garden City High School students and to assist community members in need.

Flanked to Commerce Bank associates festively outfitted in jockey silks, were members of the Foundation's Committee, L-R: Maureen Clancy and Althea Robinson, treasurer and Commerce Bank branch manager. Kathleen Petronis, Foundation treasurer; Roger Eltringham, Chamber president; Joanne Adams, Foundation president and Group Sales/Special Events Coordinator, NYRA; Charles Hayward, NYRA president; and Abdul Hakim, community relations for Senator Craig Johnson. L-R: Anthony Esernio, regional Vice President, Commerce Bank; Kathleen Petronis, branch manager; Lisa Holland, Sr. retail officer; Settela Peretz-Cook, regional market manager; and Ed Blaskey, LI market president. L-R: Charles Hayward, NYURA president Eric Fishon, Commerce Bank field market manager; Kathleen Petronis, branch manager and Foundation treasurer; with Joanne Adams, President. The ladies from Roslyn Savings Bank, L-R: Laura Marchiano, Joyce Rollo, Valerie Anisis and Agnes DiChiara. Edmund Cortez, president of Abilities; Karen Loeffler Cortez; and Rich Schiavo, owner, IEAH Stables of Garden City. John Pittoni, Chamber director; Bob Schoelle, village administrator; and Paul Conte. Commerce Bank was filled to capacity. L-R: Jan Rushton, NYRA racing analyst; Garden City Resident Kiaran McLaughlin, celebrity trainer; and Charles Hayward, NYRA president. Kathleen Petronis, Commerce Bank branch manager and Foundation director with Kiaran McLaughlin, trainer. From left: Joanne Adams, Foundation president; Jeff Wurst, winner of the VIP package for the Belmont Stakes; Big Brown owner of the IEAH Stables of Garden City, Rich Schiavo; Vera Wurst; and Kathleen Petronis, Commerce branch manager. L-R: Gary Fishberg, Village Counsel; Roger Eltringham, Chamber president and Rob Rothschild Village Trustee. NYRA's 'Sam the Bugler." Michael Ventre, Chamber director (Garden City Properties) and Karen Carney with Bernie Del Bello (Garden City Properties). Jan Rushton (NYRA) with Kate Debold (Miracle Foundation). Arthur Anderson, president of Kiwanis Club of Garden City, Kathleen Petronis, Commerce Bank manager; and Robert Harper, Esq. Russell Matthews, Chamber vice president, Nick Episcopia; Village trustee; Arthur Anderson, president of Kiwanis Club of Garden City; and Rob Rothschild, Village trustee. Jimmy Karanihas (Barbatsuly Bros. Furs) and Maureen Clancy (Clancy & Clancy Brokerage, Ltd. and Foundation director). Kathleen Petronis, Commerce Bank branch manager and Foundation president, welcomed the crowd. Mike Stafford and Karen Stafford Carney. Garden City Mayor Peter A. Bee with Kathleen Petronis, Commerce Bank branch manager. Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, Jr. and Monica Schoelle, Foundation director.