Jana and Howard Guja, Credit Presley Ann

On Saturday, June 18th, The Boys & Girls Club of Bellport Area (BGCBA) held their 13th Annual Beach Ball at the gorgeous Bayfront home of Alexandra Lebenthal and Jay Diamond. Over 550 people attended the festive affair and by the end of the night the event raised over $330,000, matching last years fundraising total – the largest amount raised in Beach Ball history.

The 13th annual “Beach Ball” was hosted by Alexandra Lebenthal and Jay Diamond, guests included Charlie Rose, who was the first person to arrive, Bob Morris, Lucy Danziger, Keith Pollock, Maneesh Goyal, Brian Ellner, Nick Scandalios and Debbie and Phil Grucci.

Mimy Johnson, Christina Colas, Credit Presley Ann

As they arrived guests were treated to cocktails and light bites provided by Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships. Midway through, the Club’s Executive Director Sybil Mimy Johnson, thanked “attendees, organizers, board of directors, sponsors and staff for their work in producing such a fantastic event. She continued to say, “tonight was about putting on a party with a purpose, and the purpose is the BGCBA’s important mission that our youth reach their full potential.” She then introduced the club’s Youth of the Month Cameron Trent, who told guests that he had “run for the school board in the past year, and that his success so far, was only the beginning, but he would not have been able to do it without the BGCBA.”

Following the speeches, host committee member Terence Noonan lead the “Art of Summer” themed auction that boasted items including an African Safari that sold for $5,500. Guests were then escorted outside where they enjoyed an awe-inspiring private show from Fireworks by Grucci that was donated by Alexandra Lebenthal after she won them in last year’s auction with a bid of $9,000. Immediately following the show, guests then enjoyed a performance from the BGCBA’s dance troop, Royal Nova. Over 40 youths aged 10-17 years performed a synchronized routine to Pitbull’s tracks, ‘Fireball,’ and ‘All the Way Up.’

The BGCBA has been operating since 1965. The Club serves over 850 members, between the ages of 5-19, and other youth through various annual activities. Members are young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances; nearly three-quarters of household incomes are $19,000 or less. All proceeds from the Beach Ball contribute to the operating expenses of the Boys & Girls Clubhouse and ensure that over 850 children, ages 5 through 19 have a safe place to learn, grow and most importantly, feel a sense of belonging and community.

− Tiffany Goldstein