Community Corner

Long Island Hospitality Ball Set for Monday

Babylon's Argyle Grill & Tavern will take part in gala benefitting the American Cancer Society.

Written by Joseph Pinciaro and Adina Genn.

Thousands are expected to attend the Long Island Hospitality Ball next week, a night of dancing and dining on food and drink, featuring cuisine from more than 70 Long Island restaurants, according to the event organizer. And they’ll do it for a good cause.

The ball – slated for June 3 at Woodbury's Crest Hollow Club -- is the creation of Keith Hart, a cancer survivor and veteran of the hospitality and promotions industry. Last year's event drew more than 2,000 people and raised close to $250,000, all donated to the research division of the American Cancer Society.

Hart was diagnosed with throat cancer six years ago, and after his partner's father passed away from lung cancer he said he decided he wanted to make a difference.

"This is what I do. I throw parties. This is our industry," he said. "So, whatever I raise, I raise."

After the first ball raised $165,000 in 2011, Hart knew he had put together a good fundraiser.

"It's like grabbing a tiger's tail. Now that I'm onto it, I can't let it go,” he said.
This year's event will include a new facet: food awards. A few members of the press and a couple of chefs will have already judged restaurants' and vendors' food based on presentation, execution, taste and quality, and winners will be recognized at the awards.

Highlights include food from Rockville Centre’s George Martin – The Original and Island Park’s Pop’s Seafood Shack and Grill, Oceanside's Brasserie Persil, Farmingdale’s Library Café, Plainview’s Brasserie Cassis, and Syosset’s Rare650.

And there will be favorites such as Babylon's Argyle Grill & Tavern, and Nesconset's Raggazi Italian Kitchen & Bar, Glen Cove-based Elegant Affairs, Roslyn-based Besito and Bistro Citron, Port Washington-based La P’Tite Frambois and Mineola’s Lulu Trattoria. 

You’ll also be able to feast on dishes from Huntington-based PrimeCafé Buenos AiresFinnegan’s and more. Other favorites include Centerport’s Mill Pond House, Northport’s J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse, and Melville’s Four Food Studio

Hart is hoping to draw upwards of 2,500 people to this year's party, which will honor a few members of the industry who have helped give back to the community, and pave the way for others who have followed: E. Lloyd Sobel, CEO of Empire Merchants; Reynold Leone, owner of Zachary's nightclub in East Meadow; and Anthony and Victor Scotto, owners of Chateau Briand, Fox Hollow, and other locations.

Steve Haweeli, owner of restaurant public relations firm WordHampton, was honored last year along with Tony Greco and Larry Romer. Haweeli said that despite some of the differences members of the industry may have had over the years, Hart brings them all together for a good common cause.

"He calls these huge meetings, and because everybody likes and respects the guy, and respects the fact that he's a cancer survivor, everybody kind of comes together," he said. "He seems to command universal affection and respect."
Tickets are available to the ball for $100 in advance, or $150 at the door.

Click here for more information about the Long Island Hospitality Ball.


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