23 January 2014 – Charitable Staten Islanders bonded together for a benefit dinner to help typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) survivors last January 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island, New York.
The Filipino community of Staten Island and the Nicotra Group organized a cocktail event to raise funds towards the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts of the towns affected by Yolanda. Hoteliers and philanthropists Mr. Richard and Ms. Lois Nicotra approached San Lorenzo Ruiz Association to donate food, services and the use of their property to help those affected by the typhoon get back on their feet and start anew after the devastation.
About 800 people came to the event, gathering US$70,000 in ticket sales and donations. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Archdiocese of New York for direct aid to the victims in the Archdiocese of Palo, Cebu, Borongan, Capiz and Calbayog.
Philippine Consul General in New York Mario L. De Leon, Jr. was present in the event to personally convey his thanks to the Nicotras, the organizers and donors for their generous help. He updated the audience on the rebuilding efforts of the government towards recovery of the disaster areas, and stressed that what the survivors need most after the typhoon struck is long term rehabilitation of the communities affected.
Ms. Nina Pineda, Filipino-American lead reporter at WABC News served as the emcee during the program which featured entertainers and local groups that followed the buffet dinner.
Fourth Grade students of the Blessed Sacrament School recited uplifting messages of encouragement. The Jaleo Filipino Dance Company performed a medley of folk dances in their colorful traditional dresses. Ms. Nina Sophia Mojares and Ms. Charista Santos Mroczek both delivered heartfelt ballads while father-daughter duo Giuseppe Taormina and Daniella Taormina displayed their operatic talents with a couple of songs. Most applauded was the rendition of the singing priest, Father Glen’s “The Prayer” in Italian.
The highlight of the event was a three-minute speed-painting of the American flag done by Mr. Scott Lobaido, an artist that specializes in patriotic works. After the painting was finished, the artist revealed a portrait of a child inside a heart-shaped frame. An emotional Lobaido explained that he drew inspiration from an image he saw on a news report about the typhoon, that of an innocent girl unaware of the destruction around her, and unsure of her future. The artwork was auctioned off during that evening and sold for U$1,700 to add to the evening’s proceeds. END
