Photo Flash: Brian Stokes Mitchell At The Landmark Gala

Landmark's Spotlight Gala 2008 was a resounding success on November 8th - with 300 guests in attendance for two-time Tony Award-winning Brian Stokes Mitchell's return engagement. In an era of growing challenges for not-for-profit organizations, Landmark's supporters made this the most successful fundraiser in the organization's history.

Author Susan Isaacs hosted the awards ceremony when Nancy Federlein, Joseph Labenson, and Anne and Vincent Mai were honored. They received engraved crystal awards donated by Tiffany & Company, presented by Angela Jaggar, Barbara Goldstein, and Hersh Cohen.

The enormous tent pitched in Blumenfeld Park housed the Spotlight Club in which the Gala's two culinary receptions were held. The evening began with an elegant VIP cocktail reception catered by H on the Harbor with a magnificent array of special hors d'oeuvres. Following "Stokes'" exciting performance in the Jeanne Rimsky Theater, guests gathered in the Spotlight Club for a feast of desserts and savories prepared by pastry chef Michael Mignano of Main Street Bakery. Rebecca Dorsey's cabaret trio played throughout the party.

Landmark's Executive Director Sharon Maier Kennelly said, "These are difficult economic times, so we are thrilled by the community's response. We've established a tradition of serving the Port Washington area - it's really gratifying to know that our friends continue to support our work."

The spirit of Port Washington was evident throughout the evening - the Spotlight Club was filled with friends and great food, wine and prosecco until midnight.