The Gala includes entertainment performances by renowned Italian Singer Giada Valenti and Italian-American Singer Chris Macchio, a silent auction, raffles, prizes, gifts, and DJ

MINEOLA, NEW YORK – APRIL 8, 2013 -- The North Shore Long Island Chapter of UNICO, a part of UNICO National is hosting their Springtime Gala this Friday, April 12, 2013 at 7:30PM (EST) at the Chateau Briand Caterers in Carle Place, NY. Among the many fundraisers hosted by the North Shore L.I. Chapter of UNICO, this will be the most grand scale event. Much of the proceeds will benefit the Cooley's Anemia Foundation. Special guests include renowned Actor Chazz Palminteri and his wife Gianna, who both advocate for the cause along with other UNICO organizations. Italian Singer Giada Valenti, and Italian-American Singer Chris Macchio will also be guests at the event. Each dinner ticket costs $125. There are also various sponsorship levels available which includes tables of either 10-12 people, other benefits and are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Gianna Palminteri, a longtime supporter of Cooley's Anemia and wife of famous actor, Chazz Palminteri commented, "Dear Friends of ours, Gina Cioffi and Frank and Debra Selma, gave us a great introduction to Cooley's Anemia nearly 16 years ago and we have been advocating for this "orphan" disease ever since. To date we have helped raise $1.5 million, and it is through the collaborative efforts of organizations like the North Shore Chapter of UNICO that we are able help bring awareness and funding to find a cure."
"Cooley's anemia awareness was brought to my attention in 1988 when I first joined the former Glendale Chapter of UNICO, because it was one of UNICO National's charity programs," stated Lou Di Rico, Secretary of the North Shore L.I. Chapter of UNICO and Gala Co-Chair. "Further interest in helping to find a cure for this disease was greater for me and several other members in our North Shore L. I. Chapter after we met or heard of people with the disease through the Cooley's Anemia Foundation. This event will help us raise money and therefore continue the cause by providing additional financial contributions to their organization."