Hundreds of supporters gathered to see dozens of successful business, community, cultural, political, civic, and religious male leaders be honored at SCNG Events’ prestigious Kings of Long Island Awards and Networking event Thursday night.
SCNG Events, a division of Long Island Press parent company Schneps Community News Group, honored some of the top businessmen from Suffolk and Nassau counties for the work they do in their professions and their communities during a gala at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck.
“I congratulate all of the honorees,” said Edward D’Ambrosio, Executive Senior Manager of Douglas Elliman, who was honored as the Realtor of The Year. “I especially thank my Douglas Elliman team, because this award I could not accomplish without incredible dedication and teamwork from all of my staff and agents.”
The empowering event connects and recognizes the most powerful and active members of the community in one room. It offered face-to-face networking, as well as business building, team building and branding opportunities.
Sponsors include the Whitmore Group, Long Island Cigar & Bourbon, Grassi & Co., Plainview Hospital, Syosset Hospital, Maffucci Moving & Storage Corp., the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center, and Vertigo Media Group.
One hundred percent of raffle proceeds were donated to Life’s WORC, a nonprofit organization founded by Long Island Press Publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis. Through its unique person-centered approach, Life’s WORC provides the comprehensive support and services that people with developmental disabilities and autism need to face their unique challenges — and enjoy a fulfilled life, in spite of them. Proceeds were also donated to VetsEDU, which provides veterans and the active military community with the education and resources they need to navigate through their well-earned benefits.
TV Broadcaster Geraldo Rivera was named Kings of Long Island 2018 Humanitarian of the Year.
“Life’s WORC does God’s work for the developmentally disabled population,” said Rivera, who hosts fundraisers for the nonprofit that was founded after he exposed mistreatment of patients at the infamous Willowbrook State School, a former mental institution in Staten Island.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour so honorees and their guests could mix, mingle and get to know each other better. As the night went on, everyone gathered in the main dining hall to receive their awards for the evening. The excitement was contagious.
“It’s a great honor to be a part of this event,” said honoree Jeffrey G. Cohen, CPA, Partner-in-Charge of Tax Services at Grassi & Co. “Vicki and Geraldo are legends and examples of class, courage, empathy, love and giving.”
Michael Fener, CPA, MBA, EMT-B, Executive Director of Plainview and Syosset Hospitals, echoed the sentiment.
“It was truly an honor being identified as a King of Long Island and being among such an amazing group of fellow Kings,” Fener said. “Great to hear how every one of the Kings are not only leaders in business but all have ways of giving back to their communities.”
Sponsors include the Whitmore Group, Long Island Cigar & Bourbon, Grassi & Co., Plainview Hospital, Syosset Hospital, Maffucci Moving & Storage Corp., the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center, and Vertigo Media Group.
The 32 Honorees include:
Humanitarian of The Year
Geraldo Rivera, TV Broadcaster
Philanthropist of The Year
James C. Metzger, CEO and Chairman, The Whitmore Group
Dynamic Duo
James B. Baydar, Esq., Partner, Pegalis & Erickson, LLC
Sanford S. Nagrotsky, Partner, Pegalis & Erickson, LLC
Community Media Heroine/Emcee
Antoinette Biordi, News 12 Long Island
Michael Aharoni, Founder, VetsEDU
Stuart B. Almer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gurwin Family of Healthcare Services
Andy Ayala, Branch Manager, Lakeview Mortgage Bankers
Dr. Michael J. Berlin, Owner, Family Wellness Center
Marc Buccellato, CPT, CFSC, Owner & Co-Founder, On the Marc Training™
Jeffrey G. Cohen, CPA, Partner-in-Charge of Tax Services, Grassi & Co.
Dr. Matthew E. Cunningham, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Interim Chief of the Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery
Edward D’Ambrosio, Executive Senior Manager, Douglas Elliman
William Diaz, Founder, Noticia and SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival
Michael Fener, CPA, MBA, EMT-B, Executive Director, Plainview and Syosset Hospitals
Thomas Francis, Owner, Founder, Long Island Cuban Cigar and Bourbon Experienc
Dr. Perry Frankel, Board Certified Cardiologist, Lipidologist, Founder/Director Echocardiography and Vascular Ultrasound Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., Medical Director, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery
Steve Kirschbaum, General Manager, Lessing’s Catering Division
Bobby La Serra, CEO , Strong Island Television
Judd Levine, President, Maffucci Moving & Storage, Interstate Agent for Bekins Van Lines
Rick Lewis, CEO, Mid Island Y Jewish Community Center
George Likourezos, Partner, Carter, DeLuca, Farrell & Schmidt
Brian Michels, Partner, Michels & Hanley CPA
Andrew Parton, President, Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center
Fred Pesce, Vice president, Vertigo Media Group
John Savarese, AVP, Branch Manager, Wantagh Branch, Investors Bank
Jonathan Scinto, Chef, TV Personality
Joe Spinosa, Vice President, Business Development, East/West Industries
Wayne Thompson, founder and executive director of Strategic Opportunities, Achieving Results (S.O.A.R!)
Gino Veneroso, Area Manager of Business Development, Sunrise Senior Living’s New York Market
Ricky Wolbrom, Partner, Malc and Company CPAs
Simon A. Zysman, Ph.D., Founder and President, EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE RESOURCES SERVICES, INC. (EARS)