A taste of success

While the Peninsula Counseling Center’s A Tasteful Evening fundraiser is a longstanding tradition, this year’s event was extra special. The mental health agency is celebrating its 100th anniversary, a milestone that was recognized on Oct. 21 at the Woodmere Club.

Guests sampled food from restaurants and bakeries across the South Shore. There were employees of 35 eateries on hand, serving a variety food and desserts. Participants went back for plate after plate, sampling salads, pasta, meat, fish, sushi, cheesecake and bagels.

“I thought that the event was at its best, and there was an exceptional representation of all the surrounding communities as far as guests, restaurants and honorees,” said event organizer Audrey Goodman, adding that it was a fitting tribute for the agency’s centennial celebration.

The Peninsula Counseling Center began as the Relief Association of Lawrence in 1913. Over the subsequent 100 years, the agency evolved into the full-service mental and behavioral health facility it is today. Five years ago, it left its longtime home in the Five Towns to open its state-of-the-art headquarters in Valley Stream.

Last year, PCC welcomed the sponsorship of Queens-based human services agency PSCH. “We feel very confident that, moving forward, our involvement in this larger network will enable us to grow and to thrive and to provide the same quality services for at least the next hundred years,” said Lois Goldsmith, the center’s executive director.

Many restaurants have been participating in A Tasteful Evening for years. Others were new to the event, including the Royalton of Roslyn, which recently took over the restaurant and catering hall at the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club. “We wanted to show everyone that the Royalton has now come to the South Shore,” said Audrey Einhorn, “and it gives the public a chance to try our amazing menu.”

Pancho’s Cantina of Island Park has been a regular at the event. Gary Steiner said that it is a good chance to connect with members of the community, see customers and support a good cause. “We love coming and doing this,” he said. “Myself and my friends have supported PCC for a long time.”

Guest at the Pancho’s table sampled fish tacos, skirt steak tacos and fresh guacamole cups. Steiner said he varies the menu each year.

Joanne Antun, a former mayor of Valley Stream who was in attendance, said she wanted to take part to support an agency that does so much good for the community. Antun noted that PCC has a broad spectrum of programs that serve residents of all ages.

“It’s a wonderful event,” she said. “It’s a celebration of Peninsula Counseling Center’s accomplishments and making a difference in the community it serves.”

The center honored several people who have supported its mental health services. State Sen. Gary Adams was named Man of the Year, and Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award.

Linda Gioia, of North Woodmere, was named Woman of the Year for her support of PCC. She has helped organize several fundraisers. Wendie and Joey Ciorciari received the Humanitarian of the Year award for their 20 years of volunteer service. Every year they host a potluck barbecue at their home to raise money for the center.

Jaime Lynn Wysocki, the president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, was presented with the Outstanding Leadership Award. She owns Dance Express of Woodmere and works with Five Towns Community Chest, one of the PCC’s biggest supporting organizations.

Hewlett High School senior Erin Palumbo, 17, commissioned the centerpieces for the 30-plus tables at the celebration. Palumbo worked with art classes at Ogden Elementary School, whose students created drawings that expressed what makes them happy. In keeping with the theme Creating Courage Through Art, three pieces formed a triangle in the middle of each table.

“I really love art, and I know art is very therapeutic,” Palumbo said. “It’s fun when you see each side and it’s something different. It lets each kid’s personality shine.”

Palumbo regularly volunteers for the PCC, helping social workers who lead various children’s support groups. She said she is inspired by the work the center does for the community.

Steve Bernstein, president of the PCC’s Board of Directors, said that upcoming meetings would focus on the center’s strategic plan, so it can continue its work for another 100 years. Upcoming events, he cited, include a Bingo night hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary in November, and a walk-a-thon at the Green Acres Mall in February.

Bernstein said he was very happy with A Tasteful Evening, which needed two rooms to hold all the guests. “It was an excellent night,” he said. “It was a wonderful turnout. Good food, good friends from the community. It was a good celebration of the 100th year.”