On Wednesday May 4th, the Boys & Girls Club of the Bellport Area (BGCBA) held a kick-off for their 13th Annual Summer Beach Ball that will take place on June 18th. Hosted by Alexandra Lebenthal, Jay Diamond and Amy and Ken Pollinger at the Pollinger’s home, guests included the clubs Executive Director Sybil Mimy Johnson, host committee members Bruce Pask, Men’s Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman, Terence Noonan – producer and author, and Debbie and Phil Grucci. Supporters including Margaret Isa Butler, and America’s Next Top Model alumni Xiomi Frans-Cuber and her husband Shane Cuber were also in attendance.

Midway through the event, Sybil Mimy Johnson, thanked guests for attending and introduced the Youth of the Year Christina Coles and the Youth of the Month Cameron Trent so that guests could see how their donations are directly affecting the young people of Bellport. Christina thanked the “B&GC for introducing me to so many opportunities and tap into what I already have.” Cameron said that, “the club had inspired me throughout my life and helped me achieve so much. The team is so devoted to helping you achieve your goals, whether they are big or small.” He continued to say, “I have big goals and without the B&GC I wouldn’t have graduated high school, gone to college or been able to run for the Board of Education.” All guests cheered and applauded at these fantastic achievements.

Additional guests included: Sharika Adams – Director of Youth Programs, Kristy Allen, Josh Blaylock, Diane and Hank Braun – BGCBA Director, John Devito, R. Couri Hay, Kathleen and Erin Gabriel, Greg Gonzales, Steve Hayden, Joanna Jordan, Greg Lhotsky, Dennis Miller, Hwasoon and Michael Mullaney – BGCBA Board President, Claudia Lebenthal, Alexandra Machinist, Lynn Mercado, Barry Podgorsky – BGCBA Beach Ball Chair, Liz Parker, Chris Poore, Stacy Rader, Jay Sylvester and Louanne Tuzza – BGCBA Director.

The BGCBA’s host committee also includes Dana Buchman –designer, Amanda Burden, Francisco Costa – Women’s Creative Director at Calvin Klein, Sir Colin Callender CBE – producer, Lucy Danziger – editor and author, Tricia Foley – lifestyle authority, Bob Morris – writer and journalist, Keith Pollock – Editor-in-Chief at Interview, and Isabella Rossellini.

The BGCBA has been operating since 1965. The Club serves over 850 members, between the ages of 5-19, and other youth through various annual activities. Members are young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances; nearly three-quarters of household incomes are $19,000 or less.

All proceeds from the Beach Ball contribute to the operating expenses of the Boys & Girls Clubhouse and ensure that over 850 children, ages 5 through 19 have a safe place to learn, grow and most importantly, feel a sense of belonging and community.

The Beach Ball will be a memorable event filled with delectable food and drinks, music and dancing to kick off the summer season on the Great South Bay. The live and silent auctions will be focused around “The Art of Summer.” The one-of-a-kind auction items – whether fashion, jewelry, home goods, or services – will be spotlighted amongst artwork from an array of prestigious galleries and well-known and emerging artists. Advance tickets are $150 and tickets will be available to purchase on the night for $175. Please visit http://www.bgcbellport.org for further details.