Great Neck Arts Center supporters will celebrate 20 years of success at The Arts Center’s annual Gala — a social event of the community — this year honoring Great Neck’s Mindel family on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
“We do not stand alone in recognizing the Mindel family’s unique love of community, their generosity of heart and mind, their energy and leadership for so many important causes,” said Arts Center Executive Director Regina Gil. “We have always counted on them and they have always been there for us.”
The star-studded Gala will feature special guest Susie Essman, comedienne and star of the critically acclaimed HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She will be named The Arts Center’s Artist of Distinction for Comedy. Essman plays the sassy Susie Greene, whose hilarious bouts of sarcasm and uninhibited insults have become her character’s trademark. She will be introduced by comedy writer and producer Jeffrey Gurian.
The Arts Center’s Lifetime Achievement award will be presented to film and television star Paul Sorvino, who played Henry Kissinger in the 1995 film “Nixon” and was a regular cast member in the NBC police drama “Law and Order.”
Gala festivities, which include cocktails, a “walking supper,” awards presentations, silent auction and an after party will be held at a new venue, The Space at Westbury.
The Mindel family, owners of the Inn at Great Neck and a number of other hotel and catering venues, are widely known for their generosity towards a wide variety of community causes.
“We like to be involved with causes that make the world a better place,” said Alan Mindel. He and his siblings, Joseph and Marlene, as well as their mother, Mary, will receive The Arts Center’s Honorary Founder’s Award.
“It is vital to support The Great Neck Arts Center,” Alan Mindel said. “It is important to focus on math and science in this world, but it is creativity that separates us as a society. From that comes the arts, and it is the arts that make us special as a society.” He said he urges others in the community to support the arts. “You can start by familiarizing yourself with what The Great Neck Arts Center does. I am sure they will welcome you—and your support.”
All proceeds from The Arts Center Gala will benefit the education and outreach programs of The Great Neck Arts Center’s School for the Arts.
Sponsorships of the Gala are available in a wide variety of categories, which include tickets to the event. Individual tickets are also available. A journal is also being published in coordination with the Gala. For sponsorship, ticket and journal advertising information, call Arts Center Gala Coordinator Ronni Berger at (516) 829-2570.
