Restaurant ball to raise funds for cancer
The biggest names in Long Island's restaurant and catering industry - the Bohlsen Group, owners of Tellers in Islip and Prime in Huntington, and the Scotto Brothers, owners of the Fox Hollow in Woodbury and Chateau in Westbury - will gather under one giant tent, a room actually, for what is shaping up as one of the largest fundraising events in years, to raise money to battle cancer.
About 1,000 restaurant owners, caterers and other food and beverage types are expected at the Long Island Hospitality Ball to be held at the Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park March 21. Keith Hart, owner of Farmingdale-based Hart Agency, a promotional firm, is spearheading the event. Hart said he hopes to raise $150,000 to $175,000 for the cause. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, Hart said.
Hart has a special interest in all of this. He recovered from a battle with thyroid cancer four years ago. During recovery, Hart said, he learned of others who also suffered from the disease.
"I started talking to people in the [restaurant] business," Hart said. Some, he said, advised that in the current economy, fundraising - even for good causes - was unwise. Hart persisted.
Now representatives of more than 150 Long Island restaurants have signed up to attend. Melville native and pop singer Kim Sozzi will be onstage, as well Jason Ojeda and the band Mystic. The $100 tickets can be purchased by calling 631-300-3460.
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