A night of elegance and pure fun is the only way to describe the 5th Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner and Masquerade Ball, hosted on Friday, October 17th, by the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions. The event was held at Studio 718, located at 922 Remsen Avenue, and was marked by great entertainment. There was music, dancing, delicious food and guests adorned in costumes portraying a wide range of characters from Egyptian Queen Nefertiti to Catwoman.
The club’s president, Lion Dr. Jean Joseph, welcomed all, including three past District Governors (PDGs) from 20 K-1 — Lion Osmond (Ozzie) Torres, Lion Melissa Torres and Lion Jacqueline Williams — to the occasion, which she referred to as “a celebration of unity, compassion and benevolence among family, friends, colleagues, contributors and well-wishers.”
“Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition. Your dedication and impact inspire us all, and we are proud to celebrate your contributions tonight,” Joseph told the eight distinguished honorees.
The awardees, Gardy Brazela, president of the 69th Precinct Community Council; Cliff Roy, president of Cool Tech LLC; Dr. Michel-Jose Charles; Lion Yolaine Ridore; Lion Maria Nanton-Moses; entrepreneur Thafarie Thomas; Lion Earl Satahoo; and Assemblywoman Jaime Williams were all presented with citations from State Senator Roxanne Persaud and Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, dressed in a dazzling, studded pant suit and matching face mask, also made brief remarks. She commended the Lions for their commitment to community service, especially their efforts in addressing food insecurity. Borrowing a quote from the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Clarke stated, “’Service is the rent we pay for our space on earth.’”
Each week, the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions distribute free food from a pop-up food pantry in the community, in addition to several other service projects they undertake annually. “The work that you do in lifting up our community and being there for each and every one in need is honorable work, and I’m just glad to be affiliated with you,” Clarke added.
“This evening is more than a festive gathering. It is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose. The funds we raise tonight directly support our community initiatives, helping us fulfill our mission of service and uplift those who need us most,” Joseph told the Canarsie Courier.
