Mariano On The Piano Raises $6.6K For 'Ms. P's' Son, 2nd Farmingdale Fundraiser Planned

FARMINGDALE, NY — Mariano Schwartz, a teenage pianist, raised more than $6,600 for the education fund of Gina Pellettiere's son by playing last Saturday at 317 Main Street, a restaurant in Farmingdale. He plans to play again this Saturday for the same cause.

Schwartz, a 16-year-old St. Anthony's High School student, donates 100% of his tips to charities and causes each time he plays in the restaurant he buses tables for. Even he was surprised, he said, by the success of Saturday night's fundraiser.

"That was definitely by far the most I’ve ever raised in one night, which was kind of crazy," Schwartz told Patch. "It was definitely shocking how strong the community is, seeing how they were willing to help so quickly."

Schwartz collected nearly $5,500 in tips, while 317 Main Street added $1,180 to the cause after donating 20 percent of its food and drink income from the night.

Reservations for the upcoming Mariano on the Piano show for 'Ms. P's' son can be made here.

Pellettiere and Beatrice "Bea" Ferrari were killed when the bus carrying the Farmingdale High School marching band to Greeley, Pennsylvania, for an annual band camp crashed and tumbled down a 50-foot ravine in Orange County on Thursday.

Pellettiere, 43, Massapequa, was the single mother of a 2-year-old son, Joseph. She was also the band director at Farmingdale High School. Ferrari, 77, of Farmingdale, was a retired teacher who went to band camp as a chaperone. Services were announced for both.

The crash rocked the Farmingdale community, as many students are mourning the losses of Pellettiere and Ferrari.

Schwartz was planning to raise money for St. Anthony's High School but heard what happened on Thursday. A Farmingdale resident himself, he decided he would dedicate his show to Pellettiere and Ferrari and donate the funds to Joseph's education.

He and his brother, Shane, posted on Instagram that they would be playing in the educators' memory, causing people to make reservations in 317 Main Street's back room "left and right," Schwartz said. Soon, 180 people made reservations, and the back of the restaurant was packed.

A sea of green lined the tables and perimeter of 317's back room along the bar.

It didn't take long for Schwartz to choose Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" as his opening song, which he dedicated to Pellettiere and Ferrari.

"I would just really like to thank everyone who did come on Saturday," Schwartz said. "It was such a positive vibe in that room, even in the wake of what happened. Everyone was singing. Many people were chanting afterward. It was such an amazing experience that day, even if it was for a very unfortunate reason why we were there."

Schwartz said he believes this Saturday won't be as big but every dollar helps Joseph.

"It doesn’t matter if it’s not completely packed to the brim this Saturday — it would be great if it was — but no matter what, if anyone wants to come down and donate a dollar or something, it’s a big difference none the less," he said.

Joe Fortuna, co-owner of 317 Main Street, The Nutty Irishman and Vico, said it was a "no-brainer" to help support Schwartz's fundraiser.

"It's an honor and a privilege that we are part of his team, and he is part of our team," Fortuna said.

Eric LeVine, a chef and partner at the restaurants, said Schwartz's commitment to fundraising shows his character and depth as a young man "properly raised by amazing parents." The chef said Schwartz has stepped up to help others since the pianist began playing at 317 Main Street.

"As restaurant owners in this amazing community of Farmingdale, our hearts and prayers go out to all the students, teachers and families who have been affected by this tragedy," LeVine said. "We are honored to be serving the community of Farmingdale during these tough times and always. God bless."

Schwartz promoted a message of unity.

"Together we are stronger than apart. If we just stick together, everything would be better."

Playing the piano for good is not new to the talented teen.

Since Jan. 7, Schwartz has raised $10,000 for the Bronx Veterans Medical Research ReWalk program, which designs exoskeleton walking suits that enable disabled veterans to stand up and walk again. In June, he handed off the donations to disabled veterans who got up and walked over to him using the technology he helped fund.

Fortuna said his restaurants will continue to make donations to those impacted by the bus crash after surveying where the needs are.

"[People] know to reach out to us when they need something," Fortuna said.