Glittering Success: Comité Cívico Argentino's Gala Shines Bright

[GLEN COVE, December 28, 2023] – Comité Cívico Argentino hosted its 8th Annual Gala at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville on December 17th of this year. The gala, a prestigious event in the community, recognized and celebrated outstanding leaders for their exceptional contributions. Lia Di Angelo, President of Comité Cívico Argentino, organized and led the celebration.

The esteemed honorees of the evening included Misolino G. Silva, President of PACCLI (Organization President of the Year Award), Paola Franchini (Female Warrior of the Year), Estefany Ruiz (Latin Star Award), Rita Medin (Chef of the Year Award), Lucho Cáceres (Marathon Runner of the Year Award), Peter Prudente (Fireman of the Year Award), Nadia Vee (Interior Designer and Tango Dancer Award), Marina Nogueyra (Female Soccer Player Award), Martin Bauer (Businessman of the Year Award), Eric Patrick Thomas (Courage and Bravery Award), and Olga Suarez and Leticia Di Mundo (Entrepreneurs of the Year Award).

Martin Bauer, recipient of the Businessman of the Year Award, conveyed, "Receiving the Businessman of the Year Award from Comité Cívico Argentino was a truly humbling experience. I was also deeply honored to be in the company of so many exceptional individuals from Long Island and beyond."

The gala commenced with a warm welcome from President Lia Di Angelo and she was assisted by the organization’s Vice President, Silvana Ancona. Joining the President and Vice President for the opening were ambassadors of the organization, including Constancia Gomez, Analia Farfan, Lia Lucero, Juan Oscar Brizuela, and Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. Gala Coordinators and organizers of the raffle, Dr. Eve Lupenko and Dr. Maxine Mayreis, also joined President Di Angelo for the opening.

Glen Cove firefighter and Comité Cívico Argentino’s 2023 Fireman of the Year Award recipient, Peter Prudente, organized a moving Presentation of Colors. The presentation, which added honor and valor to the ceremony, included firefighters from across Long Island. The firefighters included Ex-Chief Donald Dibari with the Port Washington F.D. Atlantic Hook & Ladder, John Biegan with the Great Neck Alerts F.D., Barry McQuillan (a military veteran) with Port Washington F.D. - Flower Hill Hose Co., Andrew Mulchinsky with Roslyn Highlands F.D., and Peter Prudente with F.D. Engine Co. #4.

Prudente expressed his gratitude, stating, "Being recognized as the Fireman of the Year by Comité Cívico Argentino was truly an honor. I also found it very moving that Lia wanted to include my fellow firefighters in the presentation of the colors. It set the stage for a memorable evening for all."

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Nassau County Deputy Director of Minority Affairs Melissa Figueroa, along with two of President Di Angelo’s children, Cameron and Kate Allan. This was followed by "The Star-Spangled Banner," sung by former Glen Cove Councilman and Comité Cívico Argentino Ambassador of Public Relations, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. The Argentinean Anthem was led by Danny Holodek.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck. She was introduced by 1st Vice President of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Maxine Cappel Mayreis.
Mayor Panzenbeck expressed, "It was a great honor to be invited as the keynote speaker. We are immensely proud of Lia, and it was a pleasure to be part of a truly uplifting awards ceremony."

The evening was enriched with captivating performances by Adriana Vera and Grupo Sol Cuyano, vocalist Danny Holodek, Yamila Viana & Iakof Shonsky, Claudia Brito and Grupo Renacer, Prima Ballerina Analia Farfan, Pedro Atencio, Juan Carlos & Damian Arias, and Belly Dancer Krystal Garabedian. The festivities concluded with joyful dancing and a special birthday celebration for President Di Angelo.

Di Angelo remarked, "Our organization's Annual Gala represents the convergence of community spirit and acknowledgment of exceptional individuals. We are committed to celebrating and uplifting those who contribute significantly to our community. The success of this gala stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved."

Comité Cívico Argentino, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, remains dedicated to funding and delivering charitable services to those in need. The organization strives to inspire and improve the lives of individuals on Long Island and worldwide.

For more information, please visit Comité Cívico Argentino's official Facebook page or call (917) 612-6607‬.

COMITE CIVICO ARGENTINO 53 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590.