Chairs Mark Hogan and Lisa Higgins were quick to let people know the event layout had changed this year. In an effort to ease congestion on the second floor, the veranda was open early, offering another full bar, hors d’oeuvres and a fun food station. With the humidity gone and a light breeze in the air, the porch and patio became a popular spot. There, Marybeth and C.J. DeCrescente joined fellow honorary chairs Dr. Vincent Verdile, Executive Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean at Albany Medical Center, and his wife, Lou-Ann, to thank friends for their support.
Offering miniature champagne bottles and cocktails lit with flashing ice cubes, the back bar was busy from the start. Spotted sipping the colorful drinks at umbrella tables were Skip and Colleen Carlson, Mylea and Buzz Aldrich, Heather and Brian Straughter, Mimi and John Carusone, Terry Lee, Laura Chodos, Pam Worth, Joanne and Jack Gabriel, Donna Ronkese, and committee members Erica Dingeman and Kimberley Comiskey.
Lois Celeste, Ray Bryan and Vince Riggi enjoyed the beautiful weather on the second floor balcony. Just inside the ballroom, James Barba, President and CEO of Albany Medical Center, chatted with Norman and Micki Massry, Mike West, Donna Montalto, Kate Calbone, and Angelo Calbone, President and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. Nearby, Marlene and Mike Okby caught up with David and Stacey Morales and Scott Leslie.
Angelo Mazzone and the incomparable team at Prime put together an impressive menu featuring enhanced food stations that exploded with flavorful Southwestern fare, sushi, antipasto, Caprese platters, lobster risotto and carved tenderloin. Seen mingling around the stations and at the bar were Greg and Suzanne Grande, John Witt, Cari Endres, Lisa and Matt Gabryshak, Soula and Spiro Tsitos, Jeanne Whiteside, Tina Nigro, and committee members Rachel and Tommy Uccellini and Amy Strauss, with her husband, David.
Shortly after 9 p.m., the first crackle and boom were heard. Everyone moved outside to witness the spectacular display by Alonzo Fireworks, accompanied by background music from the New York Players, who took over entertainment on the ground after a sparkling finale in the sky.
Thanks to presenting sponsor MVP Health Care, gold sponsors that included Community Care Physicians, DeCrescente Distributing and Mohawk Ambulance Service, and countless other sponsors and honorary committee members, the bright night raised a record-breaking $260,000 for the Emergency Department at Albany Medical Center.
“Once again, the Capital Region has generously supported Light Up the Night to advance the critically important work done by our department of emergency medicine,” said Dr. Verdile. “We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of generosity that will help us expand our research activities and specialized clinician training to meet the increasing needs of acutely ill and injured patients in our community, and to continue to provide the high level of services found only at Albany Medical Center.”
Photos Courtesy of Image Photo & Events
