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BROOKLYN WEEKLY, APRIL 7, 2019
Stepping up for the children
Coney Islanders toast local leaders who are committed to kids’ causes
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BY JULIANNE MCSHANE
More than 200 kind-hearted Coney
Islanders toasted six local leaders
at the Shorefront Toys for Tots’
Children First Award Ceremony at
Gargiulo’s restaurant in Coney Island
on March 28.
The event celebrated Kings
Countians who are committed
to advocating for the borough’s
kids without drawing attention
to themselves, according to the
organization’s founder.
“We were looking to honor
people who are actively involved
in causes to help children, people
who go about it without necessarily
looking to be honored for what
they’re doing,” said Brian Gottlieb,
who lives in Coney Island. “They
do it because it’s the right thing
to do.”
Gottlieb honored IS 96 principal
Janet Ndzibah and PS 188 principal
Antoinette Tucci for their work
educating Southern Brooklyn’s
school children.
Coney Island Hospital’s CEO
William Brown was honored for
helping to facilitate and expand the
hospital’s partnership with Shorefront
Toys for Tots.
Hon. Nikki Lucas was recognized
for coordinating holiday programs
for children in East New
York, while Hon. Joseph Bova was
honored for organizing an annual
Christmas program for youngsters
through the Bensonhurst
Lions Club.
Emily Rodriguez was also recognized
for her work in the family
court division of the New York City
Law Department.
Those who attended the celebration
donated more than 500 toys,
which the organization will distribute
to the Borough of Church’s children
during the seasons of Christmas,
Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa,
according to Gottlieb, who said that
organizers will — for the fi rst time
this year — also distribute toys to
Muslim youngsters celebrating
Ramadan, in partnership with the
Apna Brooklyn Community Center
in Brighton Beach.
Gottlieb founded Shorefront
Toys for Tots in 1995 in memory of
his mother, Myrna, who died two
years prior and inspired her son
with her civic mindedness and her
work on behalf of children, he said.
“My mother was somebody who
was very active in children’s causes,
and she was a strong believer in
giving back to the community and
being active,” Gottlieb said.
The born-and-bred Brooklynite
added that he and the other volunteers
who operate the group stay
motivated by the happiness their
work brings to youngsters.
“Seeing the face of the child
smile, seeing the kid being happy,
enjoying their new toy or book or
puzzle — that’s what makes everything
worthwhile,” Gottlieb said.
TOY TIME: (Above) Kind-hearted Coney Islanders donated a variety of toys,
games, and stuffed animals to the Shorefront Toys for Tots at the March 28 event
at Gargiulo’s. Kings County Democratic Chairman Frank Seddio (right) spoke at
the event. Photos by Erica Price