STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — With a slew of unforgettable seasonal soirees descending upon the social calendar, the Inside Out column continues to put the Advance spotlight on the memorable events.
Last week the Turkish Cultural Center of Staten Island (TCCSI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace and harmony in diverse settings, recently hosted its seventh annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield.
In addition to fine dining and award ceremony, TCCSI’s signature annual event socializes a wide spectrum of non-profit, small/large business owners, community leaders, academicians and professionals in Staten Island.
The program kicked off with a reception demonstration of Ebru Marble Art, a welcoming speech and Dr. Robert Fanuzzi, from St. John’s University, who spoke about “Building Peace Through Education”.
The awards committee offered awards in five categories to prominent individuals who worked for community, promoted friendship and supported interfaith activities.
TCCSI presented the Friendship Award to Dr. Al Curtis Jr. and Dr. Aurelia L. Curtis, the Community Enrichment award to Senator Andrew J. Lanza and Assemblyman Michael Cusick, (D-Mid-Island), the Community Service Award to Councilwoman Debi Rose, (D-North Shore), the Interfaith Dialog Award to Bishop John O’Hara and the Educational Leadership Award to 30,000 Degrees Coalition, College of Staten Island, St John’s University, Wagner College, Port Richmond High School New Dorp High School, Staten Island Technical High School and McKee High School.
Public Advocate Letitia James congratulated honorees and delivered a message regarding the importance of education to overcome hatred.
How to get featured in future galleries: Email photographs from your local charitable galas, centenarian birthday celebrations, high school reunions and love stories to Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com. Or just share them in the comments section below.
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