Advocates for the Arts Celebrated in Bellmore

A gala affair was held in Bellmore Wednesday to support the one manner of communication capable of expressing the inexpressible- the arts.

The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport kicked off the inaugural 2012 Outstanding Advocates for the Arts ceremony at the Bellmore Movie Theater.

According to Event Chairperson Tracey Gittere, it’s a way of giving back to those who form the cornerstone of creativity in the community.

“This is a new, annual event where we honor individuals making a difference in the betterment of the arts on Long Island,” she said. “The Long Island Arts Council has created this amazing first-time event to honor individuals from all sorts of arts- music, theater, fine arts, TV, film, photography, writing...anything, really.”

Marnie Katzman, executive director of the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport, said that this event is yet another milestone in her organization’s long and important history.

“We were founded in 1974,” she said. “We’re an integral part of the art community, and tonight is the night where we honor those who have contributed to the arts. It’s new, it’s creative, it’s fun...we’re always trying to find new ways to bring people into the arts, new ways to raise money.”

The two-hour event opened with a one-hour cocktail hour, where guests and honorees mingled while partaking of drinks and hor d'oeuvres. Afterwards, everyone took their seats in the theater, where the awards ceremony took place. David Gross of Legendary Events, an event planning and fundraising company, served as Master of Ceremonies and Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg was keynote speaker.

One of the evening’s 25 honorees was Robert C. Angelillo, Merrick resident and a member of the law firm of Meyer, Suozzi, English, and Klein of Garden City.

“He chaired in 2011 what we call the Arty Party,” Gittere said. “It’s the major fundraiser for the Long Island Arts Council and Rob did a fabulous job.”

The honor bestowed upon him only made Angelillo wish to redouble his efforts in the upcoming year.

“It feels fantastic...they’re a great organization, and I’ve worked with them for almost a year now,” he said. “I’m very happy to be recognized by them.”

Debra Markowitz, North Merrick resident and the executive director of the Nassau County Film Commission, was yet another honoree.

“She has contributed to the arts, bringing major motion picture productions here to Long Island,” Gittere said. “She’s worked with Steve Guttenberg, Danny Aiello, Ralph Macchio, and she’s brought these Long Islanders back to Long Island to help bring the arts to the people.”

For Markowitz, the arts are one of the driving forces of her life and being featured in the awards ceremony goes a long way to justifying all her hard work.

“It’s great...the Arts Council is a well-respected organization, so it’s quite an honor to have them recognize the work that I do,” she said. “Supporting the arts is important because it makes life worth living!”