Staten Island Children's Museum To Host Circle Of Friends Business Luncheon

The Staten Island Children's Museum's Circle of Friends Business Luncheon, now in its 27th year, honors people and organizations that are dedicated to the welfare and education of Staten Island's children.

In addition to these honorees, the Children's Museum also recognizes a "Kid of Achievement," sharing the success of a child or teen whose volunteerism and hard work has made a difference in the community, often while overcoming their own personal challenges.

These honorees will be celebrated at the Children's Museum annual benefit event on Wednesday, November 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn on Staten Island from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. The 2018 Circle of Friends honorees are: Rosalind Diaz, Dr. Louis Gianvito and Janet Savage. The 2018 "Kid of Achievement" Award honoree is Kristy Autumn Anderson.

Rosalind Diaz
Ms. Diaz is an Associate Director with Literacy Inc. on Staten Island, where her team serves six schools, four libraries, parks and several community centers. Literacy Inc. reaches far into the borough to fulfill its mission: "When a child reads, a community succeeds." It works with children one-on-one, with families, and through community partnerships distributing free books and hosting literacy events. From Ms. Diaz's personal experience, she has found that the sooner a child is reached, the better chance they have to succeed. That and her faith drive her to help improve the lives of children. She volunteers with numerous community and civic groups; is a facilitator for the Participatory Budget Committee through NYC Council Member Debi Rose's office; and is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Staten Island Children's Museum. Ms. Diaz also serves as a Co-Chair of the Staten Island Alliance for North Shore Children and Families.

Dr. Louis Gianvito
Louis Gianvito, M.D. has served generations of Staten Island children and their families during his 58-year career in medicine. In addition to serving his patients in his own private practice and his 25-year tenure as the Directory of Ambulatory Care for Staten Island University Hospital, Dr. Gianvito has contributed to his field through his participation in numerous medical societies, as well as civic groups. He has guided hundreds of new medical residents as an insightful and compassionate professor and supervisor. "Dr. Lou" is well-known throughout the community for his warm, energetic demeanor, devotion to his patients and students, and his dedication to making house calls. In one of his favorite volunteer roles, he brought joy to the pediatric patients at the hospital for 58 years as his alter ego, Santa Claus. Raised in New Brighton, Dr. Gianvito is a graduate of Curtis High School, Wagner College and NY Medical School.

Janet Savage
Twenty three years ago, Ms. Savage founded Music Together of Staten Island and it quickly became a community institution. Her music appreciation classes for young children have touched families throughout the borough for a generation and helped toddlers not only learn to love music, but also learn to socialize. The classes also helped parents engage with their children and find new friends themselves. What began with 14 families now serves close to 200 every semester in its own studio in Westerleigh. Ms. Savage retired as Director this past April, but she still teaches class each week. She was a professional dancer, a jazz vocalist, as well as a music/movement specialist in NYC public schools. She holds a B.A. in both vocal music and dance.

Kid of Achievement: Kristy Autumn Anderson
Kristy Autumn Anderson is a 9th grade student at John W. Lavelle Prep High School. She shows excellence in her academic studies and community outreach despite her own personal challenges with learning disabilities and dyslexia. Kristy dedicates her time in the community throughout the year by volunteering at the Richmond Terrace Therapeutic Garden, helping her neighbors register to vote and working seasonally with Dove's Ministries Community Outreach, which distributes toys to children in need. Kristy works hard in school as well and is a straight "A" student. She is also an amazing and loving big sister to three brothers and twin sisters.

The Children's Museum is grateful for the generous support of its "Circle of Friends," the event Committee members, and the event Co-Chairs, Alfredo P. Conti, Esq. and Bill Spiezia of Rogers Surveying.

"I'm proud to be part of this wonderful event not only to celebrate our accomplished honorees, but to help raise money to support the Children's Museum," said Spiezia. "My now-grown children enjoyed the programs there and created lasting childhood memories. I'm pleased to continue this important work to ensure that the Museum remains a resource for the community in the years to come."

The Staten Island Children's Museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. The Museum's hours for September - June are Tuesday- Friday from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. For more information, call 718-273-2060, email info@sichildrensmuseum.org, or visit sichildrensmuseum.org.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York and its operation is made possible, in part, with public funds provided through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs with support from the Staten Island delegation to the NYC Council. Significant operating support is also provided by the NYS Council on the Arts, Corporations, Foundations, the Trustees and Members.