The 18th Annual Angel’s on the Bay Benefit Ball was held on Tuesday evening at Russo’s on the Bay. Originally founded to raise funds for children’s programs and health care services, the group has thus far raised over $3.4 million dollars for children’s services
The organization is dedicated to the premise of making a difference in the lives of children who are challenged by physical limitations, developmental disadvantages and life threatening diseases.
Howard Beach singing star Pia Toscano capped off the evening with a performance that thrilled the audience. Patricia Adams/The Forum Newsgroup
The 2013 fundraising recipients of Angels on the Bay were the Good Samaritan Hospital $23,612, HeartShare Human Services of New York $40,000, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center $20,900, Flushing Hospital Medical Center $28,122, and the Riverfund $5,000.
One of the largest single donations ever awarded, a check in the amount of $500,000, was given to the St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital for the Angels on the Bay Fitness Center which serves as a rehabilitation facility for severely injured children and those with rehabilitation needs not able to be met at other facilities.
Hundreds of guests were greeted by Angels in flowing white costumes and feathered wings.
Jan Mittan, Senior Vice President, Development and External Relations at St. Mary’s referred to Angels on the Bay as an “incredible group of individuals that are champions to the children at the hospital.” In speaking about the unit itself, Mittan pointed out that the facility at St. Mary’s is the only one of its kind in the state of New York, offering the degree of specialized pediatric rehab that it does. The facility is used to treat a wide range of patients, from newborns to those 25 years of age.
Angel’s board member Jack Notaro, said it was like a dream come true to finally present the hospital with the half million dollar donation. “Six years ago, when we were asked to commit to this project, Frank Russo immediately said yes,” said Notaro, “the only thing we didn’t know is where we were going to get the money from.” But that is hardly a concern now. The fitness center, which bears the name of the organization, is used for occupational and physical therapy and treats a population who would be without services if not for St. Mary’s.
By Patricia Adams
