STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Under unseasonably warm October skies, the St. George Theatre held its ninth annual “Laughs on the Links” Golf, Bocce, Tennis & Pickleball Outing on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Richmond County Country Club, Dongan Hills.
Over 350 guests enjoyed a full day of sporting events followed by an evening dinner and open bar, all in support of St. George Theatre Restoration Inc., the nonprofit that manages the preservation and revitalization of Staten Island’s historic St. George Theatre.
Doreen Cugno and Luanne Sorrentino, co-founders of the theater and event organizers, opened the evening program with a warm welcome.
“We are thrilled to welcome everyone to our ninth annual golf, bocce, tennis, and pickleball outing and to celebrate this year’s remarkable honorees,” said Cugno, who also serves as president and CEO of the St. George Theatre. “As always, we look forward to seeing everyone enjoying the outdoors, participating in a sport, and mingling with friends and colleagues.
“We are so thankful for everyone coming out to support the St. George Theatre.”
Honorees
This year’s event honored individuals and organizations who have made lasting contributions to Staten Island’s arts and culture scene: A.F. Bennett Salon & Wellness Spa, Lynne Persing, and Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, represented by Iphigenia Romanos and Albert C. Corhan, Sr.
Special thanks were given to major sponsors, including the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Lynne Persing, Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, Empire Bank, the Staten Island Advance, Staten Island University Hospital, and the Law Office of Victoria Wickman.
“We’re deeply grateful to our dedicated Board of Directors, led by Brian Laline, our incredible A Team staff, and the outstanding outing chairpersons and committee members across golf, bocce, tennis, and pickleball,” added Cugno. “Your hard work has made this principal fundraiser a true success.”
The nonprofit organization is focused on restoring the historic venue while fostering its growth as a cultural and performing arts center through educational programs, community outreach, and live performances.
“Since our last outing, we’ve accomplished so much —presenting outstanding educational shows, exciting headline performances, and expanding one of our proudest initiatives, the Sensory Friendly Series,” said Sorrentino.
“This program creates a welcoming space for children and adults on the autism spectrum to enjoy the magic of live theatre with their families,” added Sorrentino. “We’ve also partnered with over 50 nonprofit organizations to offer a growing array of enriching programs.
“At the heart of it all is our mission to deliver impactful education to our community. Just this summer, we taught 65 students through our ‘Dancing Around the World’ theme.”
Event chairs included Ron J. Scimone, John Tardy, and Vincent Tardy for golf; Katherine Conners, Celeste Holmes-Bute, and Dr. Thomas Petrone for tennis and pickleball; and Diana Boland, Joanne Caridi, Linda Clemenza, and Leslie Kasegrande, Esq., for bocce.
Elected officials were also acknowledged for their support of the theatre’s restoration efforts, including Borough President Vito Fossella.
Also acknowledged were Rep. Nicole Malliotakis; Councilm embers David Carr, Kamillah Hanks, and Frank Morano; Assemblyman Charles Fall; State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton; and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo.
About the honorees
A.F. Bennett Salon & Wellness Spa
A family-owned business in New Dorp, A.F. Bennett Salon & Wellness Spa has been a longtime supporter of the St. George Theatre.
Founded by Anne and Frank Bennett and now operated with their son, Frankie, the salon is known for its commitment to wellness, beauty, and community engagement.
The Bennetts have supported the theatre’s mission through years of generous gala contributions and civic involvement.
Lynne Persing
A dedicated community leader and arts supporter, Lynne Persing has played a major role in fundraising efforts at the St. George Theatre for nearly two decades.
A South Shore Rotary member and a 2024 Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement, Persing also serves on several nonprofit boards and remains active in the performing arts as a student at Mrs. Rosemary’s Dance Studio.
Iphigenia Romanos and Albert C. Corhan, Sr.
Representing Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, Romanos and Corhan were recognized for their outstanding contributions to education and community outreach. Romanos has served as Head of School since 2013, while Corhan, an Adelphi alumnus, has worked at the school for 25 years.
They have spearheaded a highly successful Holiday Toy Drive, delivering thousands of gifts to children across Staten Island and partnering with groups like Ben-Bay Kiwanis to expand their reach.