Taste of Hope Charity Event Raises Funds and Awareness for CN Guidance & Counseling Services

CN Guidance & Counseling Services, Inc.’s First “Taste of Hope” Gala Raises $50,000 and Honors Alcott HR President Louis Basso

September 24, 2015 (Hicksville, NY): CN Guidance & Counseling Services, Inc. (Hicksville, NY, www.CNGuidance.org), a nonprofit organization providing clinical treatment, rehabilitation, housing opportunities, social and support services, counseling and guidance to individuals, families and the community affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, psychological difficulties, addiction and/or chemical dependency problems, recently held its first “Taste of Hope” gala. The culinary event, held at The Shelter Rock Gallery and Patio at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY, featured tastings from some of Long Island’s premier restaurants and bakeries, wines and brews, along with a raffle and silent auction for great gifts. The event also honored Louis Basso, President of Alcott HR, a leading nationwide provider of Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) services, a nationally-recognized advocate for small businesses, and a longstanding supporter of CN Guidance & Counseling Services.

Greg Cergol, Long Island Reporter for NBC4 New York, served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies and entertainment was provided by Brandon Dove, Richard Tarantola, Shayne Plunkett and Errol Rougier, members of “Groove Squad,” a musical group comprised of alumni from Basso’s alma mater, Adelphi University. Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Cook Maran & Associates, and Jackson Lewis served as the Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors, respectively. Other corporate sponsors included M&T Bank, Melrose Credit Union and Total Management Corp.

The 115 guests in attendance dined on such specialties as Cali Calamari and Avocado Marble Salad prepared by Chef Jonathan Scinto owner of the Rustic Modern Kitchen, a Master Chef 6 contestant recognized for his distinctive private dinner parties and celebrity events. Another spectacular dish was the Duck Confit prepared by Chef Lenny Messina of Lola’s, as well as dishes from Farm to Table Catering, Cirella’s of Melville, Piccola Bussalo, and California Pizz. Deserts were also nothing short of spectacular and included pastries, cookies and cupcakes prepared by the award-winning pastry chefs from Torta Fina Bake Shoppe & Patisserie, and an especially fitting pumpkin mose desert with chocolate wings of hope prepared by Chef Michael Fallon of MaCayla Michaels Desserts. The event generated $50,000 for CN Guidance & Counseling Services’ vital programs.

About CN Guidance & Counseling Services, Inc.: CN Guidance & Counseling Services is one of the region’s leading mental health, behavioral, and addiction-related service providers. Established in 1972, the mission of this nonprofit organization is to provide clinical treatment, housing opportunities, social and support services, counseling, and guidance to individuals, families and the community affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, psychological difficulties, addiction and/or dependency problems. CN Guidance has been a leader in providing outreach, supports, and counseling to community members during tragic and traumatic events.

Contact: Donna M. Autuori, Autuori Corporate Communications, Inc. 631.321.0045

Debbie Mullarkey, Director of Development CN Guidance & Counseling Services dmullarkey@centralnassau.org