22 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2016 Coney Celebrated at fourth annual gala BY ANNA SPIVAK [email protected] Celebrating Brooklyn’s mammoth playground on the boardwalk, the Alliance for Coney Island held its fourth annual gala on Thursday, April 14, packing in all the fun, milestone achievements, and festivity that describes the nabe itself. “The Alliance for Coney Island’s annual gala was a treme n d o u s s u c c e s s,” said Johanna Zaki, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island. “This was our fourth year organizing the event, and this year’s theme paid homage to Coney Island’s splendorous past, exciting present, and very promising future.” With over 350 guests in attendance, the evening – held at Garguilo’s Restaurant (2911 West 15th Street) – saw a cheerful celebration of Coney’s accomplishments to date, its ongoing revitalization, and exciting plans to come. The night also featured Wayne Norbitz, Nathan’s Famous board of director as the Speaker of Honor and a Special Recognition Award given to Jimmy Prince, former owner of Major Meat Market. Charles Denson, founder of the Coney Island History Project and published author, received a Legacy Award. “The gala continues to be the main fundraising event for the Alliance for Coney Island which allows the Alliance to provide free programming such as the weekly Friday Night Fireworks and Flicks on the Beach Series and support quality of life improvements throughout Coney Island,” added Zaki. “The gala is a great start to the spring and summer season in Coney Island and we’re looking forward to another successful season with events and venues, both beloved Coney Island mainstays as well as new additions.” Towards the end of the night, guests were able to participate in a silent auction and a raffle. All of the funds raised support free public programming in Coney and quality of life initiatives that help drive tourism to the bustling neighborhood. BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by SB News Scenes from the Alliance for Coney Island’s fourth annual gala. GRAND OPENING Saturday April 30
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