Joe Gallart settled his gaze on the sold-out crowd at the Bellmore Movies and Showplace on Oct. 16. It was filled with family, friends and friends of friends, all gathered to honor the memory of Gallart’s late daughter — making sure no child goes through the holidays without a toy under the tree.
Desirae’s Darlings is a charity founded by Joe Gallart in memory of his daughter, Desirae Gallart. Gallart has been collecting toys for tots since 2010 but decided the charity would be the best way to remember her.
This year’s fundraiser managed to put more than $20,000 toward that cause, and the show’s attendance surpassed last year’s event.
“This year we tripled our attendance,” Gallart said. “We started at 100 three years ago, last year was 200, this year was over 300.”
Gina Bennicasa, Gallart’s wife and a significant contributor to Desirae’s Darlings, said of the tickets, “We sold out and people were saying, ‘OK, put me on the waiting list.’ It’s amazing. My husband works tirelessly. It’s heartwarming to see everyone come and support him.”
The event was originally meant to be held at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown. It was moved to Bellmore Movies and Showplace two weeks ago.
“James Dolce, the owner at Governor’s Comedy Club — he got us this place,” Gallart said. “That was very good of him.”
The sold-out theater played host to an amicable crowd of varying ages, all of whom seemed pretty familiar with each other. Gallart constantly paced through the aisles, bringing smiles and hugs with him.
“This feeds his soul, helping children,” Bennicasa said. “And it keeps his daughter’s memory alive. It’s beautiful.”
The comedy show itself was headlined by Long Island comedian Tom Kelly and hosted by Joe Crovella. It featured appearances from local comedians Mary Capone, Vinny Dagostino, Joseph Lombardo, Laura Patton and Jay Christopher.
The comics didn’t hold back, delivering jokes that brought joy and resonated with the audience. But they recognized that the event was bigger than just cracking jokes to a crowd.
“These are regular, hard-working people putting themselves toward a good cause,” Crovella said of the crowd. “I can see people like my dad, like my mom doing the right thing. We love making these people laugh.”
“You saw the energy that was here,” Gallart said. “They killed it. The comedians were excellent. I’m very proud of my people as well.”
Joan Spivac, a contributor to the charity, laughed her way through the show.
“I loved it!” she exclaimed. “They didn’t hold back. They worked the crowd well. It was great.”
The end of the comedy show was followed by a raffle featuring an assortment of baskets, tickets and day passes, all donated to raise money for Desirae’s Darlings.
Gallart and Desirae’s Darlings are holding a pizza-toy swap at The Toy Garage on Sherman Avenue in Merrick on Oct. 26. More information about this event and much more can be found at DesiraesDarlings.org.
Matthew Figueroa is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
