The magic of springtime at Sands Point Preserve will be celebrated in a gala evening of entertainment and illusions while honoring two members of the preserve’s many supporters.
Anthony Dalessio is the honoree of the Sixth Annual Preservers’ Celebration, while Elise Tepper will receive the Preserver’s Distinction Award. The event will be held at Hempstead House on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Illusion,” complete with strolling magicians, contortionists and a hologram photo booth where reality and fantasy meet. Also on tap: marble statues with human features, culinary creations and music.
Above all, the evening offers “Preservers” the chance to celebrate two dedicated community leaders. “They say there are Seven Wonders of the World,” said Dalessio, who is KPMG’s Long Island office managing partner. “The Sands Point Preserve is the Eighth.”
As a Friends of the Sands Point Preserve board member and former treasurer, Dalessio is a philanthropist and business leader. Though he is stepping down from the board after many years of service, Dalessio said he remains eager to see this Gold Coast jewel become an even more popular destination.
Backed by a private-public partnership with Nassau County, the preserve now boasts a growing number of educational, cultural arts and fitness programs, as well as new revenue streams. The property—with its well-maintained trails, restored gardens, and building renovations—has never looked better, Dalessio said. And the Phil Dejana Learning Center and outdoor classroom continue to draw families and schoolchildren alike.
“From a strategic standpoint, the preserve lends itself to boosting the quality of life on the North Shore,” Dalessio said.
Tepper, the other honoree, has played a role in the growing popularity of the abundance of programs and events at the preserve.
“One of the affiliations I most enjoy is participating in Village Day at the Sands Point Preserve,” she said.
Her passion for Village Day is recognized with her contribution of more than 1,000 pumpkins each year to the Village Day event. She takes great pleasure in seeing the look of delight on the faces of children as each selects a pumpkin to paint and decorate.
Dalessio and Tepper remain advocates for positive change at Sands Point Preserve.
Dalessio put it this way. “Going forward, we must continue to ask how we honor the preserve and give it the respect it deserves and needs,” he said. “That way, it will become a centerpiece for even more people.”
Purchase tickets to the Illusions fundraising gala online at www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, by phone (516-571-7901) or in person at the Gatehouse. There is a special discount to Annual Pass members.
Friends of the Sands Point Preserve is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to protect and preserve the 216-acre waterfront grounds and historic mansions and to provide a range of cultural arts events and educational programs for families and schools in the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom.
For information about the Sands Point Preserve and to purchase a 2014 Annual Pass see www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, call 516-571-7901, or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Road, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
