Our inaugural “Honor of Heroes” dinner/dance was held in conjunction with The Rosebank Boys Association on Friday September 18, 2009 at Li Greci’s Staaten on Staten Island.  The event was a tremendous success.  Thanks to the generosity of all who attended or made donations, a total of $29,500 was raised.  Both organizations will receive a portion of the proceeds. 

The Rosebank Boys Association is an organization composed of long-time residents of the Rosebank section of Staten Island.  The organization carries out fund raising activities throughout the year to benefit various local charities. 

Guests of honor included two members of the U.S. Marines from Rosebank, platoon leader Cpl. Michael Jezycki Jr. and Pvt. 1st Class Vincent Cocozza.  Army Staff Sergeant William Castillo, the next home recipient of a home from Building Homes for Heroes, was also an honored guest.  He graciously thanked all of those in attendance for all of their support of veterans. 

Michael Cocozza, president, and Scott Porto, both of the Rosebank Boys Association, and Anthony Grisanti and Carolyn Paszke of Building Homes for Heroes, did an incredible job organizing the event from beginning to end.

The emcee and auctioneer for the event was Ms. Rebecca Jarvis, a general assignment reporter for CNBC.  Ms. Jarvis, who was honored at the age of 15 for raising more than $750,000 for her own non-profit children's charity, a project that also involved Al Gore and Colin Powell., was outstanding. 

Building Homes for Heroes would like to thank Congressman Michael McMahon, State Senator Diane Savino, John Sollazzo, president of the United Retired Firefighters Association, Frank Siller, Gary Sinise and Carmine Giovinazzo for all they did to make the evening so special.

Photos from the Night