The Crystal Ball

 

CLOSE, PERSONAL TIES TO DIABETES AND SUPPORT OF A CURE

BOND HONOREES TO THE 14^TH ANNUAL CRYSTAL BALL

It was another night to remember at the 14^th Annual Crystal Ball, which benefits the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), located at the University of Miami.  Held at the Garden City Hotel on Saturday, April 28, 2012  this black-tie affair was attended by more than 325 guests including some of Long Island’s most prominent business leaders and philanthropists.  The elegant evening featured spectacular décor, music and dancing, fabulous food and an exclusive live and silent auction of one-of-a-kind items.  Thanks to the generosity of DRI supporters the event raised $640,000 for diabetes research. 

Receiving recognition were three gentlemen who each have a direct connection to the cause and will stop at nothing until a cure is found.   “It’s gratifying to be recognized as an honoree at The Crystal Ball, but it’s the people living with diabetes, like my son, who we should really be honoring.  They are the heroes,” said John C. Doscas, whose eldest son, Christopher, was a college student when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about three years ago. 

After being selected to serve as the Crystal Ball Honoree, Mr. Doscas, who is a managing partner of Chartwell Trading, travelled to Miami with his wife, Anne, and their three children to tour the DRI’s state-of-the-art facility.  They met with the scientists right in their laboratories and learned firsthand about the research being conducted to cure Christopher and millions like him.

Nicholas H. Racanelli, president of Racanelli Construction and recipient of the Gillin Family Humanitarian Award, also lives with diabetes and knows all too well how challenging it is to manage.  “Diabetes truly is a battle that needs to be managed daily.  No matter how well I do today, I have to start all over tomorrow,” said Racanelli.  “I believe that through the dedication and efforts of those associated with DRI, there is hope for a cure.”

Charles Rizzo, president of the The Rizzo Group and vice president of the DRIF National Board, and a member of the LI Region Executive Committee was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.  His daughter Andrea has type 1 diabetes. “It’s an honor to be able to do what I can to assist the scientists at the frontline of the effort to cure this serious disease that has afflicted my daughter and millions like her.  I want to do what I can to find the cure for this generation and urge others to join me in that effort,” said Rizzo.

According to the 2012 Crystal Ball Chairs Bruce Waller, Michael Genatt and Allan L. Pashcow the evening was a standout event thanks to the ongoing support of a hardworking committee and generous sponsors.  Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Waller are this year’s Crystal Ball presenting sponsor.  Additional top sponsors include Mr. & Mrs. John Doscas, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, LLP, Racanelli Construction Company, Inc., Rooms-to-Go Children’s Fund, Inc., Unity International Group among others. 

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Crystal Ball Presenting Sponsor
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Waller

Platinum Sponsors
Mr. & Mrs. John Doscas

Gold Sponsors
Danzi Family/Louis C. Ciliberti & Associates • Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, LLP/Thomas E. Constance • 
Racanelli Construction Company, Inc. •  Rooms to Go Children's Fund, Inc.•
 Mr. Mrs. Bruce Siegel • The Donaldson Organization • The Rizzo Group • The Summers Family Foundation • 
Unity International Group • WRM America

Silver Sponsor
Ahmuty, Demers & McManus 
Devitt Spellman Barrett, LLP

Bronze Sponsors
Carlyle Construction Corporation • Guy Carpenter & Co., LLC  • Henderson & Brennan •
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lostritto • Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
O'Connor, McGuiness, Conte, Doyle & Oleson, LLP • The Hatz Family

Crystal Ball Chairs
Mr. Bruce Waller • Mr. Michael Genatt • Mr. Allan L. Pashcow

Crystal Ball Committee
Dr. & Mrs. Vincent Abbatiello • Mr. & Mrs. Douglas R. Donaldson • Mr. & Mrs. David Feldman • Mr. & Mrs. William Fishlinger • Mr. & Mrs. Drew Fritzhand • Mrs. Jodi Genatt • Mr. & Mrs. Art Gillin • Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Goldensohn • Mr. Martin Granowitz • Mr. & Mrs. Jon Hatz •  Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hsia • Mr. & Mrs. John Luebs • Mrs. Louise Pashcow • Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Peykar •  Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Puntillo • Mr. & Mrs. Michael S. Puntillo • Hon. & Mrs. C. Raymond Radigan • Mr. & Mrs. Ray Radigan • Mrs. Marie Rizzo • Mr. & Mrs. Robert Shiff • Mrs. Roberta Waller • Ms. Wendy Waller

 

LtoR:Crystal Ball Honoree John C. Doscas receives award from his son Christopher and Chris Kristensen representing Turner Construction Company.	The Gillin Family Humanitarian Award Recipient Nicholas H. Racanelli(R)with Sue and Arthur Gillin.	Distinguished Service Award Recipient Charles Rizzo with his daughter Andrea Ivezaj.
Crystal Ball Presenting Sponsors and DRIF board members Roberta and Bruce Waller.	LtoR: Nicholas H. Racanelli, John C. Doscas and Charles Rizzo.	DRIF National and Executive Regional board member Bill Fishlinger gives a heartfelt appeal for the Fund-A-Grant.
LtoR: Barbara Hatz, Joan Fishlinger, Jon Hatz, Arthur and Sue Gillin.	DRIF LI Regional Chairman Allan L. Pashcow welcomes guests to the Gala.	Robert Marino and Gala Committee Auction Prize Chair Wendy Waller.
Jodi Genatt and Gala Co-chair Michael Genatt.	LtoR:Martin Granowitz and friends enjoying the evening.	LtoR:Sue Gillin, Christie and Bob Donaldson and Arthur Gillin.
Dr. Norma Kenyon, scientist at the Diabetes Research Institute, updates guests on latest findings.	LtoR:Christine Meyers, Roberta Waller and Meg McCartney.	Honoree John Doscas recieves a hi-five from son Christopher for all he does to support research at the DRI.
LtoR: Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Serota, DRIF LI Regional Director Anthony E. Childs, DRIF COO Deborah Chodrow, DRIF President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman.		Special guest Bonnie Inserra celebrates her birthday at the Crystal Ball.