Staten Island’s Best Dressed: Staten Island Economic Development Corporation Gala at Angelina’s

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Featured in this week’s Staten Island Best Dressed are photos from the Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) Annual Awards Gala on Aug. 7 at Angelina’s Ristorante in Tottenville.

More than 300 members of the borough’s business community gathered for an unforgettable evening of recognition, networking and style, presented by Northfield Bank.

One of Staten Island’s top celebrations of the summer, themed “Out of This World” for 2025, the big night honored five outstanding individuals and organizations championing Staten Island’s economic growth: Dr. Daniel Messina, president and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center; New York State Assemblyman Charles Fall; Massimo DiDonna, partner at Merge Event Solutions; SIEDC Executive Woman of the Year and executive director of the GRACE Foundation of New York Cathy Del Priore; and SIEDC Nonprofit of the Year Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

“The SIEDC Annual Awards Gala is our premier celebration of the people, organizations and vibrant business community driving Staten Island’s growth,” said SIEDC President and CEO Mike Cusick. “This year’s honorees exemplified the innovation and dedication that strengthen our borough’s economic ecosystem—and we went above and beyond to honor their achievements.”

“Northfield Bank was proud to support SIEDC’s ‘Out of This World’ Gala, an evening that not only recognized economic achievement but also the business community we are committed to serve,” said Northfield Bank Executive Vice President and Gala Event Chair Robin Lefkowitz. “From celebrating leaders to spotlighting style, the night captured the energy and creativity that define Staten Island.”

“No other event in the borough offers the ability to connect with the ‘who’s who’ while delivering so much fun.”

BEST DRESSED AWARDS

This year’s theme, “Out of This World,” infused the evening with cosmic elegance, culminating in the highly anticipated Best Dressed contest, sponsored by David & Co. Menswear.

“Best Dressed Awards” were given to:

• “Starlet of the Galaxy” – Best Dressed Woman: Pamela Columbia, Statewide Fire Corp.
• “Galactic Gentleman” – Best Dressed Man: Shawn Stradford, Stradford Home for Funerals & Cremations
• “Orbiting Duo” – Best Dressed Couple: Cathy Del Priore, GRACE Foundation of New York, and Joseph Del Priore
• “Most Creative” – Bobby Aanonsen, IDB Bank

Guests also enjoyed the signature drink of the evening, inspired by Luke Skywalker’s adventures in Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back, courtesy of Cosmic Cocktail Sponsor Empire State Bank.

The evening’s program took center stage thanks to Supernova Stage Sponsor Richmond University Medical Center.

The big night was also made possible through Galaxy Sponsors: Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, Con Edison, Flagstar Bank, JP Morgan Chase, National Grid and Pratt Industries.

ABOUT SIEDC

SIEDC’s mission is to enhance a thriving Staten Island economy by promoting public and private investment and encouraging the development of commercial and industrial property and projects in an environmentally friendly manner, all of which improve the quality of life and provide broad and diverse employment opportunities.

Be sure to check out photos from the SIEDC event below. To share your own photos for future installments of this column, send submissions togsantos@siadvance.comwith clear images, event details, and the names of everyone picture