Astoria/LIC Kiwanis Holds Annual Auction

(L. to r.): Michael Serao, Commerce Bank operations manager, Rose Anne Alafogiannis, Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis Club secretary, and Al Gentile, Astoria Federal Savings Bank vice president, share a quiet moment at the Kiwanis Club Holiday Auction. Alafogiannis and Gentile, with Anna and Jerry Kril and Charlene and George Perno, constituted the auction committee that organized the event.

The Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis Club held its annual Holiday Auction at Riccardo's By the Bridge, 21-01 24th Ave., Astoria, on Monday, December 3. A large selection of products and services donated by local merchants, professionals and restaurants in the Astoria-Long Island City area was put up for bid by a series of guest auctioneers, one of whom was Gazette publisher Tony Barsamian. Club members and guests munched on finger foods and some also partook of the beverages available at the cash bar. The thousands of dollars raised by the auction will be used to benefit children and senior citizens in the community. Photos Tony Barsamian

Some items were raffled as well, and former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. gets ready to draw a winning ticket. Joining him are (l. to r.) Linda Perno, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., Paul Vallone Esq. and Jacqueline Perno, granddaughter of Linda Perno. Linda Perno and Paul Vallone were chairpersons of the Kiwanis Club auction committee.