from Blank Slate Media
From left, Andrew Malekoff, Regina Barros-Rivera, Russell and Marilyn Albanese, Carol and Andrew Marcell, Nancy and Lew Lane. (Photo courtesy of North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center)
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center was proud to announce that its annual gala, “Under the Stars,” raised more than $430,000 to support the Guidance Center’s work to restore and strengthen the emotional health and well-being of children and families on Long Island.
More than 220 guests attended the event, enjoying a wonderful evening of delicious food, musical entertainment provided by New York, New York Dueling Pianos, a silent and live auction.
The honorees this year were Marilyn and Russell Albanese. Marilyn, a new member of the Guidance Center’s Board of Directors, has been volunteering for the Guidance Center for several years, working to support and educate young mothers at the Leeds Place location.
Both Marilyn and Russell hold the mission of the Guidance Center close to their hearts. They shared the story of when they had a teen girl from Haiti who needed surgery and who was staying at their home. “The Guidance Center had someone who spoke Creole, and she was a tremendous help to our entire family and our guest,” said Marilyn.
The Albanese family
“We are delighted that the Guidance Center’s ‘Under the Stars’ gala was a grand fundraising and friendraising event,” board president Nancy Lane said. “The Board of Directors is thrilled that Marilyn and Russell Albanese agreed to be our 2017 honorees. This year’s co-chairs, Carol and Andy Marcell, pulled out all of the stops to help make this year’s event a real standout.”
The money raised at the event will help the Guidance Center continue its many innovative programs and services, with no one ever turned away for inability to pay.
“The financial success of the Gala is essential to our continuing to extend the Guidance Center’s reach to thousands of children and families that call on us in their hour of need,”executive director Andrew Malekoff said. “It was a fun and festive evening and a prime example of neighbor helping neighbor to bring hope and healing to vulnerable children.”
From left, Frank and Rita Castagna with Chris and Jack Bransfield. (Photo courtest of North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center)
