400 put best foot forward vs. cancer
Fundraiser in New Dorp benefits NYU Medical Center's efforts on behalf of children
Saturday, November 14, 2009
ADVANCE STAFF REPORT
Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- More than 400 Staten Islanders gathered last night at the Excelsior Grand, New
Dorp, to celebrate a good cause, at the 10th annual fundraiser to benefit the New York University Children's
Cancer Fund.
In 1999, moms Laura Pisano and Stephanie Crocitto bonded at NYU Medical Center, where their sons
were being treated for pediatric cancer.
Mrs. Crocitto's son, Robert, now a junior at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, was diagnosed with
leukemia in 1997. Mrs. Pisano's son, Nicholas, now a student at the College of Staten Island, was
diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, also in 1997.
Both boys' cancers are in remission and the mothers credit the care they received from Dr. Aaron Rausen
and the staff of NYU Medical Center, along with research done by the NYU Children's Cancer Fund.
The mothers want to give back to the lifesaving organization, which is why they started the fundraiser,
which has raised over $500,000 since its founding.
Mrs. Crocitto and Mrs. Pisano, along with fundraiser Gina Sindone, who offered her assistance after
hearing about the project, are in charge of putting everything together.
"It takes months of preparation. They work on it every day," said husband and father Robert Crocitto.
Attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour with open bar, a sit-down dinner, entertainment by the Village People
and radio personality Joe Causi, who was the master of ceremonies for the evening, and a meet-and-greet
with Jason Marquis, the Tottenville High School alumnus who is an All-Star pitcher for the Colorado
Rockies.
The main entrance of the Excelsior Grand was the site for raffles, with prizes including vacations and sports
memorabilia.
The Levinson family, of the sports agent company Aces Inc., played a pivotal role in the event, donating for
raffle bats signed by Jorge Posada and David Wright. They also helped arrange for Marquis' presence.
©2009 SI Advance
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