A Gala Event for a Good Cause

The will hold one of its biggest fundraisers of the year tomorrow night at a special opening-night performance of "The Sound of Music" at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport.

Last year, in an attempt to come up with an event that was not another golf outing, Townwide Fund president, Jim Powers approached the John W. Engeman Theater with the idea of holding a gala, red-carpet fundraising event. Barbara Axmacher, group/community relations director at the theater, had worked with other non-profits by offering a block of discounted tickets to a show, which would then be resold at full value with the proceeds going to the organization. The Townwide Fund took it a step further by planning a full out gala celebration that was so successful they decided to make it an annual event.

Guests will walk the red carpet to the Green Room Piano Bar and Lounge, where they will enjoy a cocktail hour with food provided by La Villini Restaurant of East Northport. Tommy Sullivan, an original founding member of Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, will provide entertainment on the stunning, glimmering blue art deco Steinway & Sons piano, which was designed by artist Frank Pollaro and inspired by George Gerswin in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. This is a repeat performance by Sullivan, who was a big hit with the crowd at last year's opening reception. The evening continues with the opening-night performance of "The Sound of Music", performed by Broadway equity actors in the magnificently restored theater.

This year's honoree is Sal Ferro, Huntington resident and president and CEO of Alure Home Improvements. Ferro was chosen because of his ongoing commitment to the community, having helped to raise thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations. He is on the board of The Huntington Townwide Fund; FACT (Find A Cure Today); ACIT (Advancement of Commerce Industry and Technology); and the Interfaith Nutrition Network, a charity that focuses on raising money for homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Alure Home Improvements is also involved with many aid organizations including Daytop, March of Dimes, and The Salvation Army and has been an eight-time remodeler for the hit ABC  TV show "Extreme Makeover:Home Edition."

"When I asked Sal to be the honoree of this 2010 event, I did it during last year's Theatre Night after seeing him enjoy the festivities and seeing the results of a well-run event," said Powers. "Sal, never one to back down from a challenge, jumped on the opportunity to assist his town, Huntington. This year has not been a favorable one for the construction industry, but this did not deter Sal and we look for this year's event to be the most successful theater event in our history."

The purpose of this festive gathering is to raise funds and to bring attention to the work that the Townwide Fund does with the help of the community. All of the money that is raised in Huntington, stays in Huntington, with 23 member agencies benefitting from the Fund's efforts on their behalf.

"This year has taken its toll on our member agencies and the funding they have been receiving from the different levels of government agencies they interact with. Since the great recession did not end with last year, this year has been a struggle for all our agencies and our ability to make an impact to their bottom lines." said Powers.

Tickets are still available. Call the Townwide Fund office for more information, 631-629-4950.