In typical Port Washington fashion, more than 200 town residents turned out Saturday night to support people in need nearly halfway around the world, raising over $25,000 for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
The Jean Rimsky Theater at Landmark On Main Street was the site of a night of classical music, with proceeds going to aid those who were devastated by November’s storm in the Philippines.
Aidan M. McCormack, who served as Master of Ceremonies, said on Sunday, “While final totals are not quite ready it is safe to say the event raised more than $25,000.” All proceeds will be going to the Philippines relief effort.
The evening was introduced by Robert Seiden. McCormack introduced each of the performers. The concert commenced with moving performances by Schreiber high school students Sydney Ronis and Jenna Cohen singing the Star Spangled Banner, followed by other gifted Port Washington students: Ethan Uroskin, Adam Tuch and Noah Milstein. Leah Stevens of Oceanside also participated.
The evening featured a performance by 11-year-old Benjamin Rossen, who has already made his debut at Carnegie Hall and who—without any sheet music before him—flawlessly played five major concert pieces all considered to be only for the veteran performer.
Martin Soderberg, a world renowned pianist, also introduced music and played the piano, concluding with some amazing Spanish dance music. Filling out the incredible evening were the sought-after Chie Yoshinaka on violin and the incredible voice of Elena Diaz-Acosta, a noted mezzo soprano.
McCormack acknowledged the generous sponsors of the event along with the Schreiber Key Club and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly on a short deadline to make the evening a success.
The sponsors were: The American Red Cross, DLA Piper, the Lullingstone Charitable Foundation, the Peter and Jerri Dejana Charitable Family Foundation and Independent Investors Inc.
Anyone still wishing to donate can email lullingstonefoundation@gmail.com
