Rus Ciolli Remembered With Night of Fun and 'Heart'

Christian tried to stay on. So did Ryan and a number of other boys and girls, but ultimately they all were thrown off the bucking inflatable bull.

The action, which took place outside Donnelly Group Real Estate Friday during Garden City's 15th annual Belmont Festival, was part of a fundraiser for a charity founded in honor of the late Russell Hunter Ciolli. 

The Grimaldi's Pizza owner died in late November 2011 at the age of 39, but friends and family paid tribute to his life by creating "Dads with Heart," the Russell Hunter Ciolli Foundation.

"Russ had a giving heart and was an amazing dad to his children, Ava and Hunter. That is why we include 'Dads with Heart' into the foundation's concept," said Suzanne Eigl, a real estate broker, who organized the June 9 fundraiser along with Donnelly Group owner Ryan Donnelly and his real estate agents. 

The event, titled "A Night of Fun and Games" didn't just provide entertainment for the kids. The adults enjoyed playing beer pong and slurping Jigger Shots, many competed for raffle prizes.

"The kick-off event was a huge success for the 'Dads With Heart,'" Eigl told Patch. "Russ' mom and stepdad, as well as other family members, friends, business associates, and customers from Grimaldi's Pizzeria turned out to support the event. Stories of our unforgettable friend, Russ filled the night!"

The RHC Foundation will donate proceeds from the event to the Coronary Unit at Winthrop University Hospital with "the hope of making others more aware of heart conditions that can go undiagnosed and take the lives of those we love," Eigle explained.

"Many heart conditions can be treated with early detection and proper care. We will move forward to work in the community via the foundation to raise awareness on heart-related illness," Eigl added.

Gloria Ciolli-Mina and Bruce Mina, Russell's mom and stepfather, were at the event and told Patch they were happy about "the outpouring of energy and support of the townsfolk."

Mina said, "The Donnelly Group is an integral part, especially Suzanne [Eigl] and Ryan [Donnelly], of making people aware of the Russell Hunter Ciolli Foundation." 

Eigl added, "Russ gave so much to so many during his time with us that we all wanted to form this foundation to keep the spirit of his kindness and love alive!"

Raffles were kindly donated by Baubles, Bangles and Bags; BK Sweeneys; Cardinali Pastry Shop; Fit Factory; the Garden City Country Club; the Garden City Hotel; Grimaldi's Pizzeria; Holiday Inn East End; Hotel Indigo; Home Portrait Specialist Jean Moran, Key Food; Kings; Kinha Sushi; La Bottega; My Three Sons Bagels; Nautilus Cafe; Novita; QW Liquors; Sushi Ya and VSpa.