A packed room of civic leaders, elected officials, and community activists gathered at Bay Ridge Manor on Sunday, April 6, for the Kings County Conservative Party’s Annual Brunch and the prestigious presentation of the Ronald Reagan Americanism Award to honoree Rick Martino, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 14269.
The afternoon, hosted by Chairperson Fran Vella-Marrone and Vice Chair David Curcio, was as lively as it was inspiring, filled with impassioned speeches, spirited applause, and a renewed call for common-sense conservative governance.
Rick Martino, a lifelong Brooklyn resident and mortgage professional, was praised for his deep community commitment and his work revitalizing St. Bernard Catholic Academy, organizing charitable drives through the Knights of Columbus, and leading the Mill Island Civic Association.
“Honestly, I’m not quite sure why they were thinking of me,” Martino joked humbly. “But I will graciously accept this honor.”
Martino spoke emotionally about his family’s support, including his wife Matia and children, and his passion for giving back. “No matter the challenges, I know I’ve been fortunate… so it gives me a strong sense of responsibility to serve.” Martino, whose charitable work includes raising awareness for Williams Syndrome — a rare genetic condition that affects his nephew Anthony — was praised for his deep sense of community and compassion.
He was recognized as a key figure in launching the Brooklyn Conservative Club and is now a newly registered Conservative Party member. “We’re going to build something strong in Mill Basin and Bergen Beach,” he affirmed.
A long list of dignitaries turned out to show their support and reinforce the Conservative Party’s growing influence, including Assembly Members Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Jaime Williams, Kalman Yeger, and Simcha Eichenstein, State Senator Steve Chan, Honorable former State Senator Marty Golden, Brooklyn GOP Chairman and City Council Candidate Richard Barsamian (District 47), Council Member David Carr, Attorney General candidate Michael Henry, City Council Candidate Dimple Willabus (District 46), and State Conservative Chairman Jerry Kassar.
Chairperson Fran Vella-Marrone opened with heartfelt gratitude: “These events are about more than raising funds—they’re about showing who we are, what we value, and how we move forward.”
State Chairman Jerry Kassar praised Martino and the Brooklyn party’s impact, noting the Conservative Party is fielding over 3,000 candidates across New York this November and now sees its highest enrollment numbers since 1978.
Senator Chan, Assembly Member Chang and Council Member Carr all highlighted the growing threats of progressive overreach and emphasized the need for “a Republican governor and a return to order.”
Even Assembly Member Williams, a Democrat, received warm applause for her independent streak and commitment to law enforcement: “We must stand up for the law-abiding citizens — not coddle criminals.”
Council Member Carr energized the room: “We can renew the conservative promise for New York City. Let’s build momentum with victories this year and take back the statehouse next.”
Peter Copoulos, candidate for NYC Comptroller, closed the political speeches with a call for financial accountability and auditing City Hall. “I’m running against radical socialists. What I offer is simple: transparency, sanity, and service to the taxpayer.”
The event also included a heartfelt invocation by Father Divine, who reminded attendees of their spiritual responsibility to lead with principle, compassion, and courage. Divine’s work at the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, an organization dedicated to peacebuilding in Africa’s tribal lands, reflected the event’s broader commitment to faith, service, and leadership
The room was notably filled with veterans and active service members, representing every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces — Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps — underscoring the deeply patriotic tone of the event and Conservative party values.
As the brunch drew to a close, guests lingered to greet honoree Rick Martino, take photos, and swap stories of recent campaigns. The message was clear: Brooklyn’s Conservative Party is unified, energized, and ready to fight for the principles it holds dear — from the City Council chambers to Albany and beyond.
