The North Fork Breast Health Coalition held its annual Pink Pearl Gala on Friday at East Wind in Wading River. The organization honored its founders Ann Cotten-DeGrasse and her late husband, Antonio DeGrasse, with the Pink Pearl Community Service Award.
The late Irwin Garsten, and his wife, Flora, were also honored Friday with the Pink Pearl Spirit Award. Mr. Garsten opened a Riverhead car dealership in 1959 that became Apple Honda. The couple was recognized for their philanthropy and community service that helped bolster organizations across the North Fork.
Top photo: From left, North Fork Breast Health Coalition (NFBHC) vice president Melanie McEvoy, NFBHC founder Ann Cotten-DeGrasse, NFBHC president Susan Ruffini and Martha Kennelly.
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NFBHC vice president Melanie McEvoy and NFBHC president Susan Ruffini.Pink Pearl Gala raffle.From left, Mattituck sisters Rachel Seaman, who is a breast cancer survivor, and Tara Haas.From left, NFBHC board member Kim Healy and raffle volunteer Matthew Didorenko.Chris Philindas and his wife, Jessica. Mr. Philindas is the son of the late Pearl Philindas, who is a past president of the coalition and the Pink Pearl Gala’s namesake.From left, Martha Kennelly, NFBHC founder Ann Cotten-DeGrasse with her nephew, Gordon Cavaniss, and his girlfriend, Lore Baculima.
Pink breast cancer ribbon necklaces were on every table.
Kayla Reitz raised over $800 for NFBHC after selling handmade jewelry and organizing a raffle from her home.Performance by MainStage Dance Academy.
Performers of MainStage Dance Academy gave pink roses to breast cancer survivors, including NFBHC president Susan Ruffini and Elaine Pottenger.Marianne Fitzgerald is a 5-year breast cancer survivor.From left, NFBHC board members Kim Healy and Shannon Reitz.Ann Cotten DeGrasse’s nephew, Gordon Cavaniss, and his girlfriend, Lore Baculima.Bill Fields, Apple Honda general manager and Flora Garsten’s son, accepting the Pink Pearl Spirit Award on her behalf from Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter.NFBHC vice president Melanie McEvoy.From left, gala emcee and News 12 Long Island reporter Shari Einhorn with Melanie McEvoy and Susan Ruffini.Susan Ruffini, Loann McDonnell and Gareth Swift.Ann Cotten DeGrasse dancing with a friend.Susan Ruffini with her sisters, Elaine Pottenger and Kathleen Koster.From left, Kayla Reitz and and her mother, NFBHC board member Shannon Reitz.Artist Shawn Widmyer of Detection in Time holding her breast cancer survivor rose.From left, Riverhead Town Councilwoman Jodi Giglio, Susan Ruffini and Bill Fields.Ann Cotten-DeGrasse hugs her nephew, Gordon Cavaniss.
