The Night on the Town in Mineola gala at the Jericho Terrace on May 22 aims to exceed its previous success in raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society over the past two years, according to event co-chairman Tony Lubrano.
Two years ago, the event raised $40,000 and last year nearly doubled that, drawing $70,000 from the approximately 700 people who attended, supporting the event through ticket sales and fundraising raffles.
“This is money going straight to the organization and it’s tax deductible,” said Lubrano, vice president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce.
A smorgasbord of dishes from 21 local restaurants will be featured, including Lubrano’s Piccola Bussola, Becco, Chrrasqueria Bairrada, Heart of Portugal, Hibachi Sushi-Ya, La Masseria, Major’s Steakhouse, Manetta’s, Piccolo’s, Rothman’s Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Uncle Bacala’s, Vincent’s Clam Bar, Vinoco, Memories, Frantoni’s, Papa Razzi, Cardinali Bakery, Marzullo’s Pasticceria and Jericho Terrace itself.
Entertainment once again will be provided by New York’s Most Dangerous Band with Gina Glickman Giordan, host of “In the Mixx” presiding as mistress of ceremonies.
Night on the Town had been held in year’s past to support the Corpus Christi School. A one-year hiatus occurred when the school was closing and Lubrano revived the event with co-chairman and impressario Harry Zapitia round a cause close to Lubrano’s heart.
Seven years ago his father, Pasquale, died from leukemia. But when he was diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago, Lubrano said the doctors gave his father 18 months to live. A succession of pioneering treatments to fight the disease extended his life and inspired Lubrano to do what he could to raise money to advance leukemia research.
“Somebody came before me and raised a whole lot of money for research that gave me more time with my dad. So I’m just passing it forward,” he said.
Over the last 40 years, Lubrano said the survival rate for leukemia patients has gone from 5 percent to 60 percent for adults and 80 percent for children.
“I’m just trying to do my part,” he said.
Cancer survivor Frank Ferrante, and his doctor from North Shore-LIJ, oncologist Vincent Vinciguerra, will be the honorees at this year’s event.
This year’s even will include a Chinese auction, a 50/50 auction and a silent auction for sports memorabilia. Lubrano said Art Shamsky, a member of the 1969 Amazin’ Mets, will be on hand, with other sports celebrities expected to participated.
Tickets are $100 for the event available for purchase online at Li.nightontownLLSevent.org or by calling Lubrano at Piccola Bussola at 516-294-4620 or Zapiti at 426-1652.
Seniors can buy tickets at Piccola Bussola for $35. Tickets for members of the Mineola Fire Department, Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Mineola Auxiliary Police can be purchased for $50.
Night on the Town in Mineola runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on May 22 at Jericho Terrace, 249 Jericho Turnpike.
