Luminaries gathered Thursday night for the Safe Center LI's annual gala at Oheka Castle.
The Bethpage-based organization, which works against child abuse and domestic violence, drew about 300 politicians, volunteers, educators, supporters of the group and others from around Long Island.
Scheduled to speak was Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Nassau County Legis. Wayne Wink, D-Roslyn, and former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin also attended.
Esther Fortunoff will unveil the winning jewelry designs from her Designing Hope contest. The jewelry will be available through the Fortunoff jewelry website, with proceeds going to benefit The Safe Center LI. A raffle and silent auction also went on, with auctio prizes ranging from a Hermes calfskin tote bag valued at $3,650 to roundtrip tickets on American Airlines valued at more than $2,000.
Gary Melius, Oheka's owner, and Frank and Rita Castagna of The Americana were honorees.
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