Elite in Wonderland

In 1865, in a stunning literary waltz of the imagination, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) wrote about the adventures of a young girl who stumbled into a rabbit hole and discovered a fantastical Wonderland. Last Thursday, Long Island Elite, a group of dynamic young business professionals, recreated this magical, imaginary realm for their 7th Annual Masquerade Ball.

Cold Spring Hill's Oheka Castle, the rambling Gold Coast mansion built by financier and philanthropist Otto Kahn during the 1920s, served as the perfect venue for this fanciful philanthropic event.

As guests mingled with the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, the Mad-Hatter, Twiddle-Dee and Twiddle-Dum, they might very well have imagined that they had wandered through the Looking Glass. Nods to Alice's colorful underground exploits included a hookah lounge, croquet on the lawn, a mad tea party with mismatched teapots and chairs, and a larger-than-life chess board and pieces.

According to LIE Founder and President, Dawn Strain, more than 250 people attended LIE's highly anticipated annual fundraiser, with the event raising more than $80,000 for scholarships and local charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, the Family Service League, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Long Island, Canine Companions, Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Best Buddies New York, Contractors for Kids, EAC, and the Friends of Karen.

The concept of giving back to the community has always been part of Strain's vision for LIE, which she founded in 2002 to establish a support system for the leaders of tomorrow, having witnessed paucity of people under the age of 40 at business and networking functions.

Strain said that this "phenomenal group," which she describes as composed of "the most influential people on Long Island," is like one big family, and draws its strength from within.

"LIE has evolved into more than I ever imagined," said Strain, whose own entrepreneurial history is a story in itself.

The founder of DJS Events, a personalized event planning service with an abiding commitment to excellence, Strain was named one of Long Island Business News' 'top 50 women in business' in 2007.

The accomplishments of those honored during the Masquerade Ball, which Strain deemed the group's best ever, reflected LIE's aspirations and dreams for its members.

James A. Johnston, Director of Real Estate for King Kullen, received LIE's Contemporary Award.

"John Johnston is not yet thirty, yet he has accomplished so much at such a young age. He is so driven yet down-to-earth," Strain said of the Huntington resident that she considers a model for future generations. "He has worked hard and his accomplishments have reflected that, and he gives back. He has all those elements," Strain indicated.

The very dynamic and charismatic Monique Zorn, a driving force behind one of Long Island's most popular catering and take-out restaurants, was honored as Mentor of the Year.

"Monique is someone whom we aspire to be. She is giving and dedicated to the community," Strain said of the woman whom she called "one of the most amazing people I ever met."

"Zorn's does so much for the community," Strain said of the family business which has been going strong for six decades and  whose commitment to bettering life on Long Island includes weekly donations to Island Harvest. Monique chaired the 2010 "Dancing for Kids" hosted by  the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect, and is also involved in events for Northport Veterans Hospital.

The Amerisc Corp, founded by Phil Samuels and Frank Abbatiello, was honored as LIE's Company of the Year. The provider of insurance and financial services whose motto is "Large Enough to Deliver, Small Enough to Care," prides itself on serving its customers according to the golden rule.

"They are very philanthropic," Strain indicated.

Gary Cucchi, Vice President of Progressive Marketing Group in Melville, and LIE's Director of Public Relations, was recognized as LIE's member of the year.

Cucchi, who was recently named to Long Island Business News' prestigious "40 under 40" list for 2010, is known for his involvement with charitable groups, including Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, The Long Island Home, Si Se Puede Mentoring Group, and Jacob's Light Foundation.

According to Strain, the event is made that much more meaningful for the honorees because proceeds benefit their pet charities.

Jennifer Tinghitella, Long Island PATCH regional publisher and advertising director, joined LIE seven years ago and was part of the committee whose creativity and teamwork made the Masquerade Ball such a success. Tinghitella said that the experience of networking with like-minded young professionals has opened up a whole new world for her.

"I've been introduced to so many people and made so many great friends," Tinghitella said, adding that LIE proved invaluable when she needed career mentoring.

"These are the kinds of things we do for each other," Tinghitella said.

The next LIE venture, The Believe Symposium, is already in the works, and scheduled to take place at Suffolk Community College on October 22 .

This new undertaking is aimed at Long Island youth, with the goal of encouraging "positive thinking" or belief in "your community, your future and yourself."

To this end, attendees will hear from a host of speakers, some of who have struggled, made mistakes, yet emerged triumphant, Strain said. The focus will be on the industries of technology, health care, engineering, and business. To learn more, visit longislandelite.org, LIEMasquerade.com, or believeinli.com.