J CITY Theater fund raiser this Saturday at The Embankment
JERSEY CITY – J CITY Theater is a non-profit organization, and to support their work they hold only one major fund raiser each year: The Kentucky Derby Gala. The founding members of J CITY Theater, Sandy Cockrell, Clay Cockrell and Kellis Carroll all have roots in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. So when looking for a theme for their fund raiser – the idea of a Kentucky Derby Party just seemed right. Attendees will enjoy all the traditional activities of The Run for The Roses, including Mint Juleps (the official drink of the Kentucky Derby), Derby Hat Contests for men and women, Bourbon Tastings by whiskey connoisseur Pat McCarthy, plus a silent auction, songs, and watching The Derby!
Food from The Embankment Restaurant and beer, wine, and Mint Juleps are all included in the price of the ticket. Tickets in advance are $75, and $90 starting May 3. They can be purchased through www.jcity.org or by calling (800) 838-3006.
“Our 2011 / 2012 season has been our most successful season to date,” says Executive Producer Clay Cockrell. ”We began the season with the New Jersey premier of David Mamet’s ‘RACE’ which was a phenomenal success. We followed this with our annual holiday show, ‘A Tuna Christmas,’ and now we are in the midst of the award-winning show, ‘The Memory of Water’ and frequently selling out the house. All this, along with our two Jersey Shorts events. It’s been a year of new heights. Our audiences have grown along with our reputation and this is our chance to celebrate that success.”
Toms River man sentenced to prison after stealing from Hoboken’s meters
HOBOKEN – A Toms River contractor has been sentenced to five years in state prison for stealing over $1 million in coins from Hoboken’s parking meters, according to the state attorney general’s office. Brian A. Petaccio, 52, Toms River, the owner of United Textile Fabricators LLC, pleaded guilty on Sept. 30, 2009 to an accusation charging him with second-degree theft by unlawful taking for stealing approximately $1,175,000 in coins from Hoboken parking meters between June 2005 and April 2008, according to a release from the state attorney general’s office.
Petaccio and his company returned $575,000 to the city after an audit in 2007 uncovered parking revenue shortfalls, the release says. After the guilty plea, however, Petaccio admitted to diverting an additional $600,000 that was not reported to the city.
On April 2, John P. Corea, 48, a former director of the Hoboken Parking Utility, was sentenced to seven years in state prison, including three years of parole ineligibility for his role in the theft.
Hoboken Team holds fund raising activities for orphaned children abroad
HOBOKEN – Team of 21 young adult volunteers are organizing fundraising events and collecting donations for the non-profit organization Mustard Seed Communities (MSC), which supports over 600 orphaned children abroad. This project not only showcases the generous and caring nature of the Hoboken Community but also directly builds the 3 ‘C’s – Character, Charity and Community – in those directly involved and locally touched by this endeavor.
On Saturday, May 5, Court Street Restaurant & Bar will host a “Wines of the West” Wine Tasting Event and Educational Experience with MSC from 1:45 – 4 p.m. This will be a sit down format tasting including 10 specially selected wines. The event will be $55 per person and open to the public. Seats are limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. $30 per ticket will be donated to the Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) and is tax deductible. Contact Meghan at wine@courtstreet.com and mention mustardseed, or call(201) 795-4515.
On Thursday, May 10, the team will host an International Dinner at Saints Peter and Paul Parish from 5-8 p.m. The delicious multi-cultural meal will include some of the best entrees from top restaurants in Hoboken who have generously donated to make this event possible. Restaurant participants include H&S Giovanni’s, Benny Tudino’s, Piri Piri, Bangkok City and others. This event is open to the public. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and includes wine, and $8 for children.
On Wednesday, May 16, a Craft Beer Tasting and Social will be hosted by Village Pourhouse starting at 7 p.m. This event is open to the public and advance tickets for $30 are currently on sale for this crowd pleasing night.
Other upcoming events include an Arts and Music Festival Booth and Bake Sale on Sunday, May 6 and an Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, May 19.
Community members can support this great cause by attending events or making donations directly at www.mustardseed.com/goto/SPP_Nicaragua_June_2012. Area businesses can make monetary donations at www.mustardseed.com/goto/SPP_Nicaragua_June_2012 or offer to supply food/beverage/supplies to any of the events.