Sands Point Preserve's Honorees Ashima and Mike Narula Find Estate's Beauty 'Inspiring'

The majestic landscape and history of Sands Point Preserve will be celebrated in a gala evening of entertainment while honoring two special members of the Preserve’s many supporters.

Mike and Ashima Narula are the honorees of the Seventh Annual Preservers’ Celebration. The festivities will be held at Hempstead House on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23, beginning at 7 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Jewels of India.” The event features cocktails in the garden, and inside the splendor of the Hempstead House, there will be an abundance of live music, classical Indian dancing and Bollywood festivities. Highlights include Indian and American cuisine, sushi, and an open bar. Also on tap: plenty of strolling entertainment, dancing and specialty artists, along with an indoor bazaar.

The Preserver’s Celebration has become the highlight of the year, providing the chance to recognize two extraordinary individuals for their contributions to the community.

Mike and Ashima Naurla say that one of the aspects they love most about the Preserve is its wide array of offerings.

“The Preserve provides many diverse programs that appeal to a wide variety of people,” Mike pointed out. “Whether you are there to tour Hempstead House, enjoy a performance or to tour the grounds, the beauty of the Preserve is inspiring.”

The Narulas are accomplished philanthropists and business leaders. Mike is the founder, president and CEO of Reliance Communications LLC, one of the largest U.S. distributors of wireless devices and related products. Ashima is chairwoman of Reliance Communications, and also an established architect with a passion for education.

“We are proud to honor Mike and Ashima Narula at this year’s gala,” said Friends of The Sands Point Preserve Executive Director Jean-Marie Posner. “They are true champions of Sands Point Preserve, helping to continue to make this extraordinary Nassau County property a popular destination.”

The Narulas see the Preserve as a North Shore treasure, with its expertly maintained trails, restored gardens, mile-long beach, and building renovations. And the estate’s extensive offerings – from science and nature programs for families, to Broadway cabarets, summer opera and more – continue to grow. This year, for example, the Preserve is featuring Shakespeare programs and a literary festival. And back by popular demand, the Designer Showhouse returns in November.

“We hope the Preserve will continue to offer rich cultural events and educational programs to all who wish to visit for many years to come,” Ashima said.

Once the home of the Goulds, and later the Guggenheims, Sands Point Preserve serves an important role for the region, the Narulas note.

“The Preserve is an important part of Long Island’s history,” Mike said. “Much of Long Island’s Gold Coast has been redeveloped over the years and the Preserve offers an opportunity to get a glimpse into the grand lifestyle of the country’s industrial titans.”

The couple’s favorite activities at the Preserve?

“We love the programs designed for families,” Ashima said. “We all live a very hectic life, and the opportunity to spend time together with our children at the Preserve is very special to us.

Purchase tickets to the “Jewels of India” fundraising gala online at www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, by phone (516-571-7901) or in person at the Gatehouse.

Friends of the Sands Point Preserve is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to protect and preserve the 216-acre waterfront grounds and historic mansions and to provide a range of cultural arts events and educational programs for families and schools in the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom.
For information about the Sands Point Preserve and to purchase a 2014 Annual Pass see www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, call 516-571-7901or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY, 11050, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.