Before last year’s inaugural Cystic Fibrosis Gala, Nicholas Costantino had only disclosed his condition to friends and family. A popular Hoboken real estate agent, Costantino, known to friends as “Nikki,” would have never imagined the outpouring of support he received.
“It has been pretty inspirational for me,” said Costantino. “I’ve gotten a lot of great people coming up to me and telling me stories of people they know with cystic fibrosis, some who have passed, and I’ve been touched.”
Nearly 400 people attended the event last year, which raised more than $45,000.
Costantino’s humility is evident from his constant affirmation that the gala is about spreading awareness of CF and not him. He said this year he hopes to raise more money and draw a larger crowd.
Empire Cares, the non-profit charitable division of the Hoboken real estate agency, will host the 2nd Annual Cystic Fibrosis Gala Saturday, Sept. 12 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the W Hotel at 225 River St.
“We all learned lessons from Nick.” – Rose Marie Ranuro
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The genetic deficiency has affected Costantino’s lungs, sinuses, and pancreas since he was 11 years old, and was initially something he kept to himself. When he was diagnosed, the average lifespan of a CF patient was 13.
After surpassing that by over thirty years, he realized a higher calling in supporting others with the hereditary disease in benefit of the CF Care Center at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan where he has received his care for the past 37 years.
In the last year, since becoming more public with the fact he has CF, Costantino said his thoughts “are more day to day than year to year.”
“I have very short term goals now but can say I’ve had a very good year,” he added.
This year’s gala, sure to be a larger affair, will include a red carpet event, a variety of chef’s tables, live music, dancing, a silent auction, and a cocktail reception.
Businesses show support
A testament to Costantino’s reach is the A-list of restaurants lined up to showcase their signature dishes at the event.
Although Costantino calls Hoboken his home, many would be surprised to learn that he first moved to the Mile Square City eleven years ago. Still, businesses old and new have welcomed him with open arms.
“We are looking forward to honor and celebrate Nick for his perseverance, love and zest for life,” said the owner of Biggie’s Clam Bar, Rose Marie Ranuro. “We all learned lessons from Nick.”
Born and raised in Jersey City, Costantino moved from Wayne to Secaucus so he could be closer to the hospitals treating him in New York City. After moving back and spearheading well-known bars and taverns in the city, he was forced to halt his efforts due to a diagnosis of diabetes – a side effect of CF – in 2011.
“Being a local chef and restaurant owner gives me the opportunity to give back to the community [and] doing this event for the benefit of Nick and people afflicted with the same thing is one that I enjoy for many reasons,” said Dave Carney, owner of The Madison Bar & Grill.
Even newcomer Blue Eyes Restaurant, which opened on Frank Sinatra Drive in April, wasted no time joining in to help Empire Cares.
The Hoboken and Jersey City restaurants that will cater the event include The W Hotel’s Zylo, Grimaldi’s, City Bistro, Johnny Pepperoni, Bin 14, Anthony David’s, The Cuban, Callahan’s Hotdogs, Ben & Jerry’s, Choc-O-Pain French Bakery, Carlo’s Bake Shop, and Jersey City’s Park & 6th Restaurant & Bar.
Lisa Troyano-Ascolese, the event’s chairperson and a real estate agent with Empire Realty Group, said the response from “all the local businesses have been overwhelming and truly heartwarming.”
Advance tickets are $150 each until Sept. 11 (no tickets will be sold at the door) and can be purchased by visiting www.empirecares.org/cystic-fibrosis-gala-.html.