2012 Long Island Hospitality Ball

On Monday, June 18, the 2012 Long Island Hospitality Ball is back!  This year’s event will be held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.  This fundraiser helps the American Cancer Society, and raised $170,000 alone from last year’s event!

The gala was created and organized by Keith Hart, a hospitality industry mainstay and cancer survivor, to raise funds for charity by showcasing offerings from the region’s top restaurants, wine and spirit brands, nightclubs and entertainers as well as hotels and catering halls.

Newsday’s Jim Bernstein and Erica Marcus called the 2011 inaugural event  “one of the largest fundraising events in years to raise money to battle cancer” and “a food-industry showcase.”  The night of sensory delights – light, sound, food and drink – was enjoyed by 1500 guests, and made possible by more than 150 industry sponsors.

Continuing at the heart of the affair in 2012 is Keith Hart, who is best known for his eponymous marketing agency on New York’s nightlife and entertainment scene. Hart’s private battle with thyroid cancer, now in remission, inspired him to go public with his mission, and rally the industry to join the fight against cancer, through an extraordinary evening of dining, dancing and donating.

In the spirit of generosity, three industry peers will be honored in 2012 for their achievements:

*Anthony “Tony” Greco, a 40-year hospitality industry veteran and owner of York Grill in Manhattan who is best known for directing operations of premier nightspots in New York City and Long Island including Uncle Sam’s and “Malibu” Beach Club.  He is also a founding member of the Long Island Hospitality Ball’s 1980s forerunner, the Bartenders’ Ball, serving for several years as chairman.

*Steve Haweeli, founder and president of WordHampton Public Relations, the region’s number one hospitality PR firm, in addition to being known for strategic counseling, media expertise and as an early adopter of social media to build brand reputations, is responsible for the creation of Long Island Restaurant Week, Hamptons Restaurant Week and Long Island Restaurant News.

*Larry Romer, a 30-year veteran of the beverage industry, since 2004 has overseen the spirits business for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York and for many years held senior roles with Jim Beam (Future Brands), The Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Paddington Corporation. Coming full circle with this award, Romer was a sponsor of the fundraiser’s forerunner, the Bartenders’ Ball, in the 1980s.

Tickets are $100 per person and include event entry, parking, entertainment, and, unlimited food and drink from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  VIP packages and advertising opportunities are also available.

For ticket or donation information, contact:
Daria Carioscia, American Cancer Society, (631) 300-3461, daria.carioscia@cancer.org or click here.

For more info, click here for the LI Hospitality Ball website.