Chocolatier Becomes Toast of the Town

Hundreds of supporters of the Huntington Historical Society gathered on the grounds of the historic Dr. Daniel W. Kissam House on Friday night for the 20th annual Evening of Wine Under the Stars.

Huntington Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia was among the many guests who turned out to enjoy the bounty of food and drink donated by local merchants, and to honor Mary Alice Meinersman, the owner of Bon Bons Chocolatier.

"I've been coming every year, and it's gotten bigger and better," Raia said. "I'm a longtime member of the Historical Society. They do a tremendous job on a shoestring budget. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to congratulate a woman whom I've known for a long time."

Event co-chairs Marie Failey and Claudia Fortunato estimated that the event raised more than $20,000 for the Historical Society and gave some of the credit to this year's honoree.

"We are honoring Mary Alice not just for her success as a businesswoman, but for her remarkable attitude towards giving back so generously to the community that she serves," Failey said.

Fortunato added, "Last year, we chose Mary Alice as one of the 'Spotlight Merchants' in the Wine Tasting Journal. We were so taken with her dynamic personality, and her generous heart that we knew we had our 2010 honoree."

Meinersman received a proclamation from Sen. Carl Marcellino, who commended  her support of the Huntington Historical Society, and Assemblyman Jim Conte presented a New York State Assembly Citation to "the sweetest woman in the Town of Huntington." Meinersman was also recognized by Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper's office for her years of service to the society and for being one of "Huntington's business anchors."

"She is one of the true heroes of our economy," said Steve Rossetti, finance chair of the Huntington Town Democratic Committee, on behalf of Cooper, adding that Meinersman has "the best confections this side of Hershey, Pa."

Perhaps the most unexpected praise came in the form of a singing telegram recounting her life and her achievements delivered by a tuxedoed Kerry Prep to a beaming Meinersman.

"I am overwhelmed. It is so special that you chose me," Meinersman told the crowd. "I feel like I am one of the luckiest people in Huntington to be honored for doing what I love to do. Huntington has always been my town."

The event co-chairs said they hope the 21st annual event is as successful as the 20th.

"Good food, good wine, and good people – that is the philosophy behind this whole event," Fortunato explained. "We are bringing people together from the Long Island and Huntington community to support an organization that does so much to preserve our history."

Failey pointed out that she couldn't have been happier with the way that the evening unfolded.

"The turnout was great, Mary Alice was in her glory," Failey said. "She was so happy that she was glowing."