Friday, November 6, 2026
A surprise “thank you” party was held by community members on Oct. 18 at Jeanine’s American Bistro in Glen Cove to celebrate and honor Barbara Costello, founder and longtime operator of The Guardian Angel Family Store in Sea Cliff, for her 20 years of service to the community.
Over the decades Costello has helped countless families in need by providing clothing, food, shelter and restoring their dignity and offering hope. Sea Cliff Mayor Elena Villafane presented Costello with a citation from the Village of Sea Cliff recognizing her “timeless and countless” acts of kindness.
She was also honored with a citation from the Nassau County Legislature for her outstanding work uplifting the community, presented by Jeanine Dimenna, owner of Jeanine’s American Bistro, on behalf of Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.
The well-attended celebration was filled with heartfelt moments as numerous recipients of Costello’s generosity shared stories about how her compassion and support had changed their lives.
