Coney Island
Roses for the Alliance for Coney Island on its fifth anniversary, 90 birthday balloons for the Cyclone roller coaster, and white suits for everybody in honor of the 40th anniversary of “Saturday Night Fever.”
The Alliance celebrated all of these milestones with its annual fund-raising gala held at Gargiulo’s Restaurant on April 20. Touted as the largest networking event held in the Coney Island community, this year’s festivities greeted more than 350 individuals. The night paid homage to those who have helped usher forth the Coney Island revitalization of recent years.
Along with staff and community members, Councilmember Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island) and Assemblymember Pamela Harris (D–Coney Island) were on hand to dance the night away to the disco-themed events that had everybody on the dance floor doing the hustle, and enjoying the entertainment provided by a John Travolta impersonator. Guests were also treated to fab food, a silent auction, and more.
Cindy Godla, public relations manager of events at the Alliance, helped make this year’s fund-raising goals a reality, with the soiree raising more than $100,000, the highest amount the gala has ever raked in.
“When people think of Coney Island, they think of fun. I wanted to produce an event that was nothing short of that,” said Cindy. “We work really hard all year to be able to produce free public programming each summer and to be able to raise over $100,000 in one evening is amazing and will help us continue doing that.”
Standing O hopes the Alliance keeps “Staying Alive” for many more years to come.
Alliance for Coney Island [1323 Surf Ave. at W. 12th Street in Coney Island, (718) 594–7895].
