Jr. Welfare League Hosts 20th Wine Soiree

Hundreds of  guests traveled along Browns Road to Coindre Hall Saturday for an evening of extravagance that could have been drawn from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby."

The unprecedented night of food, wine, and song marked the 20^th anniversary of the Junior Welfare League of Huntington's annual Wine Soirée, with proceeds benefiting the lift and summer camp funds. Honoree Jeannine Libutti, owner of Libutti Diamond Jewelers, a Huntington mainstay since 1943, received a proclamation from councilwomen Susan Berland and Glenda Jackson, who represented the Town Board at the festivities.

"I am honored and privileged to present this proclamation to the honoree," Berland said, adding that she feels the Junior Welfare League is a tremendous organization that worked hard to make the 20^th annual Wine Soirée "the best event that it could possibly be."

Berland described Libutti as a wonderful lady who is incredibly humble and does fantastic things for Huntington and the community at large.

"She's a supporter of many Huntington-based charities and organizations," Berland said as she read the proclamation to Libutti on behalf of the Town of Huntington and its 200,000 residents.

Berland elicited laughs as she presented Libutti with an official town pin.

"I know that the jewelry that she has is beyond anything that I can offer," said Berland, quipping that Libutti should let her know "anytime you want to trade it for a diamond pin."

Jackson also thanked the Junior Welfare League for all the wonderful work that they do in the community.

Kathy Nicolette of Centerport and husband, Tom, were among those enjoying the ambiance of Coindre Hall, the palatial and meandering red-roofed mansion constructed in 1912 for pharmaceutical magnate George McKesson Brown. Modeled after a chateau located in the South of France, the beloved local landmark has breathtaking panoramic views of Huntington Harbor, and is listed on New York State's National Register of Historic Places.

"We've been coming to the Wine Soirée for years. It is a nice community event," Nicolette said, adding that she enjoyed the ride along Browns Road and exploring historical mansion, which she deemed "beautiful."

Mark Zambratto, owner of the Pink Link, Huntington's signature Lilly Pulitzer shop, came with wife, René.  He had never been inside Coindre Hall before, and did, indeed, find it "Gatsby-esque."

"The event was wonderful. It had a very good turnout and we enjoyed seeing people from town. It was a good night for a good cause," Zambratto  said, adding that he often works hand-in-hand with the Junior Welfare League by sponsoring shopping nights that benefit the organization at his store.

"It made me feel good to be part of this fundraiser," Zambratto concluded.