Thank you to all who attended our Fifth Annual Gala at the Cradle of Aviation Museum!
Featuring our MC for the evening:
Kristin Thorne
Investigative Reporter at WABC Channel 7 Eyewitness News
2023 Honorees of the Year
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Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.
Honoree of the Year
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New York State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo
Legislator of the Year
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New York State Assembly Member Jodi Giglio
Legislator of the Year
2023 Volunteers of the Year
The Cintorino/Coogan Family
Gabrielle Marazzo & Douglas Simpkins from In Focus Photography
Founded by the American Theatre Wing in 1942, the Stage Door Canteen was an entertainment venue for American and Allied servicemen that operated in the Broadway theatre district of New York City throughout World War II. In addition to shows, the canteen offered off-duty military personnel opportunities to unwind, with live music for dancing, food served by hostesses and busboys (that were often some of the most famous actors and actresses of the day, doing their duty for the war effort), and postcards to write letters home.
Hostesses in red, white, and blue aprons helped serve coffee and food, danced with the servicemen, and would assist with writing letters home during breaks in the music. Only at the Canteen could a serviceman see someone like Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, Marlene Dietrich or Bette Davis in person for free. A popular radio program and movie, both entitled Stage Door Canteen, were also released during this era.
Hotel and Shuttle Information:
Local Hotel Accommodations are available at the Long Island Marriott, located at 101 James Doolittle Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11553. Transportation from Marriott to the Venue will be available.
Call Marriott Reservations at 1(800) 228-9290 before August 30th, 2023 and ask for the Andrew McMorris Foundation Group Rate, or click here.