11/02/2022
It was the Bees Knee's!! Congratulations to the Long Island Elite for "Roaring into their 20th Anniversary" with a Gatsby 1920's theme at the most perfect setting, Oheka Castle. I was honored to coordinate and plan this Gala for the past 6-months with Mark Angarola and Frank Morizio Jr. The organization reflected and celebrated their achievements over the past 20-years, helped raised money for UCP of Long Island, honored leaders of our community and was truly a night full of Razzle Dazzle. Oheka Castle was completely transformed and as soon as guests arrived, they were transported back into the 1920s where valets greeted them dressed in newsie caps and suspenders, with period music playing and 2-vintage cars were parked at the entrance. In the grand lobby, guests were greeted by flapper girls, giant bottles of champagne and the ever so creepy bespectacled eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, as featured on the cover of the book "The Great Gatsby." Upstairs a champagne tower (thanks "cuz" Paulie Paul Yolango) and to Linda at Party Rental Ltd for the perfect coupe champagne glasses. 2 -dandies greeted guests in top hats & tails, a cigarette girl passed out ci******es and other candies from the 20's, and pages of the Gatsby book were ripped out and enlarged for guests to read. *Shout out to all the talented performers from Astarte Creative! We also acknowledged 20 years of history, networking, community and service- the L.I.E. has been proud to achieve since its inception- with a museum style display of photo boards from past years that guests had the opportunity to walk through the memories created. The library was converted into the VIP pre-party space. Honorees, board members, committee members, founding members all received handmade corsages and boutonnieres that were crafted from the pages of a Gatsby book. *special shout out to Laurie LaBlossom Bellochio and Terri/Rich Adell for the assembly assistance! The VIP room offered guests an opportunity to pose at a mugshot wall, scratch-off a dare using a # Rockerfeller dime from the 1920's, sample some ROCAVAKA (congrats on your LI Launch!) and grab some fun swag bags-*Thank you sponsors: Tate's Bake Shop Nutrish Mish The Grand Ballroom was converted to the Prohibition Room where guests could only enter by saying a password. Once inside guests found a barrel wall, giant champagne glass with dancer inside, casino tables, and gorgeous enlarged prints from the 1920s featuring flapper dancers, and ladies drinking champagne. *Thank you to Evan and staff at Sir Speedy Print, Signs, Marketing for all of the amazing prints and for going over and above in helping me bring my vision and sketches to life. The main bar was transformed into the Speakeasy. Bartenders served "Giggle Juice" wearing suspenders, bowties, and armbands. The room was decorated with enlarged prints from the 20s featuring police dumping booze, others enjoying some drinks, and of course "Closed" signs. Guests were able to have their picture taken thanks to the generosity of Redmax Events photobooth. The next room, the Formal Dining room was renamed the "Jazz Age Room" this room housed all the raffles and silent auction. Thank you to all who donated a basket, helped wrap the baskets, deliver and set-up everything. UCP volunteers you were all amazing! Thanks also to Bobby at Triple Crown Charity Fundraising for the amazing silent auction items. The room was decorated with large prints of jazz legends and instruments from the 20s, plus a gorgeous feather wall- thank you Tracey at Decco + Laurie/LA & Terri for the crystal feather columns- so gorgeous! The Terrace Room was renamed the Bee's Knee's Ballroom- and this one was my favorite- guests had to enter through a giant 20- as a reminder of 20 years past and all that still lies ahead in front of them as they entered the ballroom. We flipped the room and had the 17-piece The Jazz Loft Big Band on a 2-tier stage with a Gatsby-inspired backdrop behind them, and with a black art-deco dance floor in front of them. Tables were draped in a black crinkled taffeta tablecloth, with gold art deco chargers, napkins were folded into bowties and the gorgeous centerpieces created by Pedestals were the finishing touch of elegance on the tables. Guests were treated to performances by the very talented Oceanside Dance Center and when cocktail hour ended the place was raided by 1920's cops blowing their whistles and making sure the liquid in their glasses was only "water." So fun! Congratulations to the evening's honorees- William Anthony Dean, of The Real Estate A-Team of EXIT Realty Premier & Robert John Schwendel Realtor- Exit Realty Premier for winning the Contemporary Award, and also congrats to the 2022 Member of the Year, Tavarez! Congratulations to the original founders also for creating this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization 20 years ago who have donated more than $1milion to local LI charities. Strain, Rob Basso, Jeff Cohen, Dennis O'Rourke, Phyllis Palleschi, John Palumbo & Anthony Parziale
I have to take this time to thank some very special vendors and people who really helped with their generosity, time, devotion and support of me to help me make this night a success. Thank you Jay and the entire team at Decco by Party Up Productions from the gorgeous-fully functioning- speakeasy doors, to the giant 20 entry into the ballroom, among many other amazing touches of genius and skill; thank you to Lula, Carolyn and most especially Mike at TiedIn I had so much fun explaining things to Mike and seeing him not only understand what I was explaining, but nail it and take it to another level. So much fun working with you all!! To Phil at Pedestals Floral Decorators thank you for making the ballroom come to life with your beautiful centerpieces; Thank you to the amazing and so talented Paola Photo for the more than 800 pictures (she is the real deal- sweet, talented and amazing to work with!); Andrew Yellow House Images for taking the time to video the gala from start to finish; Can't wait to see what he captured! Thank you to Tom at the Long Island Cuban Cigar and Bourbon Experience it was so great to meet you- looking forward to collaborating on something in ThreeVillage soon! Thank you also to Bella for the delicious gelato!! Another big thank you to the staff at Oheka- Kelly, Alyssa, Sam, Rick, Steven- your flexibility, guidance and assistance were so appreciated. Lastly, to my red heads- Jennifer Martin Riedman & Christine Fischer Gacovino- love you both and you know I could not have done this one without you.
