Mineola ‘Night on the Town’ Raises Money for Charities

A few hundred Mineola residents literally had a “” this past Wednesday night, packing the parking lot as well as the multitude of rooms at , raising nearly $40,000 for charity in the process.

All the proceeds from the evening benefited “Team Fox,” the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Disease Research foundation, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Long Island.

While Fox himself did not make an appearance, Michael Costa, president of Long Island Michael J. Fox Foundation and Director of Fundraising Sheila Kelly were present to thank the large crowd for their fundraising efforts.

“It was worth it being stuck in traffic from Manhattan to be here with all of you,” Kelly said. “Your generosity amazes us.”

Parkinson’s disease affects an estimated five million patients worldwide and since its inception the Michael J. Fox foundation has raised approximately $240 million for research and patient care.

There were a number of silent auction items available to attendees, including a standard auction led by Harry Zapiti. Items included a Tom Seaver autographed baseball, two premium seats to Tuesday night’s Yankee game against the Blue Jays, and a framed poster of the 1969 Mets signed by all the members of the team which was brought to the event by former Met player Art Shamsky.

Entertainment was also provided in the form of dancers from the Starlight Dance Studio who put on several routines for the crowd.

However, a few of the items, including the autographed baseball and poster did not sell and several items at the silent auction only received one bidder.

The evening also had a couple of technical glitches with the presentation of two videos, each one focusing on one of the charitable organizations. The hosts however managed to carry on with the program.

“I think you guys understand though the point of why we’re showing video is to give you guys an understanding of what you’re donating to,” Gina Glickman of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society said to the crowd.

The society’s mission is to cure blood cancer and help patients and families and all donated funds go to research and patients on Long Island. About 53,000 Americans will die this year of various blood cancers.

“Our mission is not only to cure blood cancer but to help our patients and their families,” Tara Guies said. “Your support makes a huge difference in the lives of others.”