American Cancer Society, Pink & Black Tie Gala

On May 12th I attended the American Cancer Society's Pink & Black Tie Gala on Stage 6 at Steiner Studios right by the Brooklyn Bridge. After meeting Nancy Colt, Sally Cooper and Tamara Ehlin of the American Cancer Society at the Relay for Life Reunion Celebration I was inspired by their passion and commitment to the organization and was so thankful when they invited me to another event.

I was blown away by the beauty and elegance of the gala.  I applaud the American Cancer Society for organizing such a spectacular evening for a beautiful cause.  They are the national sponsor of birthday and for nearly a century the American Cancer Society has been supporting cancer patients all over the United States helping people "get well," "stay well," "find cures," & "fight back" and May 12th was no exception.  Hundreds gathered at Steiner Studios to support this cause hosted by the fabulous Stacy London of "What Not To Wear."  It brought together so many people from the community and honored Antonio Martin, CEO of Kings County Hospital Center, Malik Yoba, actor, educator, speaker & author and last but not least Steve Cohen, General Manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones Organization (aka my boss, so it was wonderful to be there supporting him as well).

When all was said and done "More than 440 fabulous suppporters from Brooklyn and beyond attended the event and helped raise nearly $250,000 to support the American Cancer Society's services right here in our community, as well as our research and national programs." 


I look forward to working with the American Cancer Society in the future !

Walking the "Pink" Carpet 

Aunt Joe & Me <3

Aunt Joe, Sally Cooper & Tamara Ehlin

Aunt Joe & I with Nancy Colt 

Aunt Joe & Mom <3

Stacy London of "What Not To Wear" 

Brooklyn Cyclones

The Staff of the Daily News 

FLEUR de LYS DINNER DANCE

On May 4th I attended Fontbonne Academy's 9th Annual Fleur de Lys Dinner Dance at Gargiulo's Restaurant in good old Coney Island. It was a fantastic night full of familiar faces, fun dancing and of course well deserved recognition of the devoted members of the Fontbonne Community.

"Fontbonne Hall Academy is a college preparatory high school for young women. Throughout its seventy-four year history, Fontbonne Hall has served the Bay Ridge community, Brooklyn as a whole, Queens and Staten Island. It is the goal of the academy to instill in their students traditional values in addition to the wherewithal to meet challenges of the years ahead." 


The event honored 6 dedicated and successful individuals whose leadership and contribu-tions over the years have assisted Fontbonne Hall Academy in fulfilling its mission. The highlight of the evening was the installation of the honorees into the Fontbonne Hall of Fame. Among the honorees was close family friend and "dancing mom," the wonderful Debra (Pepe) Canterino. I have known Debbie for about 10 years and could not think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Debbie's big heart and vibrant spirit certainly does not go unnoticed. Her passion for teaching at Fontbonne, her love for the school and her dedication to her family makes her one beautiful person from the inside out. 


Among the other honorees were, CNBC's "Closing Bell Anchor," Maria Bartiromo, District Manager of Community Board Ten, Josephine Beckermann, Principal of St. Patrick School, Andrea Geremia D'Emic, Genesis Program Finance Committee Member, Angela Gallo, and owner of Mejlander & Mulgannon, Thomas Stramka. 

The Six Honorees
inducted into the Fontbonne Hall of Fame 

Honorees and Special Guests 

A huge congrats to Debbie Canterino <3

Honoree Thomas Stramka

Lauren Canterino <333

Dance Works Reunion on the Dance Floor :-) 

xoxo
Christina 


****There is a wonderful article about the event in the Bay Ridge Eagle, don't forget to pick up a copy from your local Brooklyn news stands :-) Or visit http://www.brooklyneagle.com/bayridgeeaglenews.pdf

St. Athanasius Baseball Parade

APRIL 10th 

The day after the Miss New York Workshop I had the fantastic opportunity to lead the St. A's Baseball Parade with Senator Golden, Assemblyman Peter Abbate, Assemblyman William Colt and Elizabeth Liakos of Northfield Bank. I have been involved with the St. A's Baseball Program since I was a little girl. My brother played for St. A's from the time he was seven years old and my dad was a coach for them for close to 10 years, so I am no stranger to the organization. Throughout the years I have watched them flourish and have seen first hand the tremendous impact they have had on the community. Children from all over Brooklyn come to St. A's to play ball because they know it is an environment committed to family fun and the love for the game of baseball. It is a wonderful organization that works hard to instill in the children the importance of good sportsmanship.

The parade began at the parish church, 2154 61st Street and ended at the St. A's Baseball Field on 54th Street and 20th Avenue. When we arrived Senator Golden, Peter Abbate, William Colt and even yours truly had the chance to say a few words to the players. After concluding the speeches we all were given the honor of throwing out the first pitch of the season! A lot of my students were there with their families so it was so nice to see so many familiar faces READY TO PLAY BALL !!!! I have always wanted to play baseball/softball. Everyone in my family has played at one point or another, but due to my hectic dance schedule growing up I was never able to. However, on this day I got the chance to live out a silly childhood wish and was a St.A's softball player for the day :-) (One of the girls was nice enough to lend me her uniform lol) 

St. A's Softball Team 

Leading the Parade

Senator Golden 

:-) 

Lets Go St. A's !

SANDY !

Anthony, age 2 . . followed me all around the field, so cute :-) 

Dad and Bobby (President of the St. A's Baseball Program) 

Up Next the Fontbonne Dinner Dance Honoring Debra Canterino !!!

Miss New York Workshop

WOW !!! So May 7th was my Performers With A Purpose, Bringing Sarcoma Awareness Center Stage event and I could not be happier with the outcome. Everything turned out amazing and exactly as I had hoped it would when I created the program. I have sooooo much to fill you in on about Saturday May 7th, but before I do that there are a few other appearances/events that I have to tell you about :-) 

Miss New York Workshop, April 9th 

Going back to April 9, 2011, when the 22 Miss New York Contestants and Teen Contestants gathered for a fun filled day at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY. We had the opportunity to get to know one another, review our talent selections, go over interview prep with Claire Buffie (Miss New York) and even learned some of the beginning choreography to our opening number. It was a long day, but certainly an enjoyable one. A lot of us have spoken via email or facebook so it was nice to finally meet everyone face to face. Leaving the workshop I felt a great deal of excitement and truly cannot wait to experience the "Miss New York Week." I know it will be something I will never forget!  

Wagner Girls, Miss Staten Island Maria DeSantis,
Miss Liberty, Kim Cantoni

Miss New York Class of 2011

Miss New York Class of 2011 with Claire Buffie

Complete Class of 2011, Miss & Teen Contestants

Brooklyn Girls :-)

Miss Brooklyn Organization 

Carmen Mendoza, Miss Kings County
Sister Queen & Roomie :-)





St. A's Baseball Blog Coming Next !