STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Evelyn Kormanik established the Staten Island Giving Circle, with a mission to create a community outreach organization dedicated to aiding underserved children, seniors, military personnel, and the homeless within the local community.
The pasta dinner and basket bash fundraiser took place on Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Lifestyles Educational Center in Concord.
Since its inception in January 2008, the membership has expanded from its initial 24 individuals to now over 1,000.
It was the organization’s second annual dinner/raffle fundraiser, and they secured a number of sponsorships to support their community initiatives.
“The number one issue remains food scarcity,” Kormanik said. The SIGC has several programs in place to alleviate the need. The Weekend Food Backpack Program is stationed in 8 schools this year providing backpacks full of food for a total of 120 students/families every week.
Linda Pignataro, Fran Sisto, Gina Schlegel, Kathy Barzal, Teresa Reed, and Jennifer Weile, the fundraising committee gathered together at the 2023 Basket Bash & Pasta Party fundraising event. (Charlotte Togba for the Staten Island Advance)
The annual event held this past Sunday featured various activities, including a 50/50 raffle, a basket raffle, and live music.
“The WFBP coordinates with school administrators, parent coordinators, and ShopRite to maintain the program throughout the school year,” the founder said. “We are also beginning a food bag drop-off program once a month for the teens and young adults on Jersey Street.”
“It was a huge success,” Kormanik added. The proceeds from the event will be used to support the expenses of the committees that monitor the initiatives for their overall mission.
Fran Sisto, head of the SIGC organization giving a speech about what the organization truly does for the community. (Charlotte Togba for the Staten Island Advance)
The founder expressed their commitment to aiding both active and retired military…
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