Committee Sets Plans For Pineapple Ball

Of the 45 members of the Pineapple Ball Committee gracioulsly hosted by The Garden Cityi Hotel, attended the February 5 meeting. Chairpeople: Stephanie H. Cullum (Coach Realtors), Event Chairperson; H. Arthur Anderson (SNS Resources), John Appelt (SNS Resources), Cheryl McAuliffe (Coach Realtors), Journal Co-Chairpersons; Maria L. Grassi (Armao, Costa, Ricciardi CPAs P.C.) and Alba Spinelli (Community National Bank), Super Raffle Co-Chairpersons; Althea Robinson (Garden City Chamber), Publicity. Committee members (listed alphabetically): Dave Allen (Mainly Marketing); Edward A. Ambrosino (Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.); Patrick Boyle (Gateway Youth Outreach); Robert P. Burke (Hampton Inn, Garden Citify); Charles J. Casolaro, Esq. (Casolaro Sussman, LLP); Jan DiGeronimo (Sperry Credit Union); Ray Donnelly (SNS Resources); Gail Douglas (Le Visage Medi-Spa); Roger Eltringham (Allianceplus); Regina Esernio (Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union); Richard G. Fromewick, Esq., (Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, P.C.); Tracey Gittere (Legendary Events, Inc.); Mary Hauswald (NYRA); Margie Jensen (Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union); Scott Knuckles (Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC); Mary Mahoney; Lillie Manjarrez (nationalgrid); Marie Marcellino (Mainly Marketing); Thomas J. McCambridge (Albanese Organization, Inc.); Andrew Nigohosian (Bonaventure Tuxedo); Brian A. Pinnola (NAI Longo island); Debbie Solimine (NYRA); Mary Beth Tully; Michael Ventre (Windsor Commercial Real Estate, Inc); Jeanie Verdis (FOS Living); Beth Watras; Terry Whelen (The Sterling Sign Company); Stacy Williams (Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union); John Wilton (Garden City Properties/GC Commercial); Diane Zdan (Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC).. (Photo by John Ellis Kordes) It takes a great and varied committee to plan for the Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s Pineapple Ball gala, considered to be Garden City’s quintessential event.

A series of planning meetings have been scheduled leading up to the eighth annual Ball to be held on April 23 at the Garden City Hotel.

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of awards to three extraordinary individuals. The honorees for 2010 include Joanne K. Adams, Community Relation Director, New York Racing Association, Ins.; the Honorable Allen S. Mathers, Village Justice, Inc. Village of Garden City; and Nasser Samman,

General Manager of The Garden City Hotel. The Chamber of Commerce Foundation will also present the “Excellence in Business Education Scholarship Award” to a deserving Garden City High School student.

At this printing, sponsors of the 2010 Pineapple Ball include: Adams Drafting; Albanese Organization, Inc.; The Garden City Hotel; The New York Racing Association, Inc.; The New York Horsemen’s Association, Inc. & The New York Racing Association, Inc. (Gold Sponsors);Fidelity Investments and Stephen and Antonia Kourepinos (Silver Sponsors); Armao, Costa & Ricciardi, CPAs, P.C.; Coach Realtors Garden City; and nationalgrid; (Leadership Sponsors); Cullen and Dykman LLP (Patron of The Chamber);

Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP; Community National Bank; Meyer Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.; M. John Pittoni, LLC; and Christopher and Mary Beth C. Tully (Friend of the Chamber); plus Adelphi University and Sperry Credit Union (Table Sponsors).

Once again, an added attraction will be the Super Raffle to benefit Chamber community programs along with the missions of the Chamber Foundation. Only 500 tickets to be sold at $50 per chance; or 3 for $100. First Prize: $3,000 Cash; 2nd Prize: $1,500 cash; 3rd Prize: $500 cash. Winner need not be present at the Pineapple Ball.

For an invitation to the Pineapple Ball, for sponsorship and/or Journal ad information; to donate a Silent Auction Prize; or to purchase a Super Raffle Ticket, please call Tracey Gittere at 222-0550. Also visit