Beach goers having fun! While the calendar read January, it felt like a warm July afternoon at the Welcoming Club’s first ever “Summer in Winter Party” on January 23rd. As the Garden City Casino was transformed into a tropical wonderland, about 100 guests enjoyed a brief respite from the cold January temperature while spending an evening in the sun. Many danced to the music of Travelin Max, and some even took the opportunity to sing along, as microphones where available to any and all. There was even a brief tribute to the rolling Stones offered up by two of the more musically accomplished guests. Away from the dance floor, tropical drinks were sipped on our very own beach, complete with beach chairs, towels, and what seemed like 100 beach balls. And, of course, what beach would be complete without a lifeguard stand available for some beach-front photos?

Bernadette Lane, Laura Tarr, Kristine Henry, Ryan O’Rourke and Jessica Oxenham True to form, the attendees embraced the theme of the night, donning everything from sun dresses to scuba suits. Some things can only happen at the Welcoming Club’s beach, and like a scene out of Bay Watch, some beach goers were rescued by a Pamela Anderson look alike, who stuck around to help draw the names of the lucky winners of the evening’s raffle prizes. Several lucky guests went home with gifts, as beautiful gift baskets were raffled off to benefit IFOND, this year’s beneficiary of the Welcoming Club’s philanthropic efforts. Special thanks to those who donated: The Salvatico Family - “Out East Weekend”; Fos Living Salon and Spa; The Garden City Hotel; The McKenna Family; The Aesthetic Center at LIPSG and other local merchants. The Welcoming Club would also like to thank Uncle Baccalas for donating the cotton candy and the Cornacchia Family for lending their Lifeguard stand! And finally, a special thanks to the GC Casino management as they were incredibly helpful in making this event happen, especially as we arranged the staging of our beach, an undertaking not without complexities.

Howie and Laura Tarr, Alex and Jessica Oxenham In the end, a fun time was had by all. We are looking forward to all being together at our next event - Rock and Bowl on March 20th. Please come out and join us!

Travelin Max
Musical guests
Travelin Max
More beach goers enjoying the “sun”
Jen O’Hanlon and Jen Gisolfi
Carl & Lisa Garraffo
Walter McKenna & Scott Maher
Dianne and Dave Conelli
Life’s a beach
Lynn Puccio and Lisa Loughlin
Lynn Puccio and Brad & Melissa Katinas
Eric Gisolfi and Kent Penney
Social Committee Members Top Row - Lisa Colletti, Lynnette McKenna, Tracey Lawson (Philanthropic), Bottom Row - Gina Donovan, Marie Penney, Lynn Puccio