Addabbo Hosts 15th Annual Veteran BBQ Thanking Local Veterans

It was truly a festive and celebratory occasion as Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. hosted his 15th Annual Veterans BBQ at the Howard Beach Motor Boat Club on Saturday, September 8, welcoming veterans and their families to enjoy an afternoon of free food and entertainment as a small way of thanking these local veterans for their sacrifices to protect the country and its freedoms.

The surprise guest entertainment featured doo-wop group, the Fabulous Acchords with members Tommy McManus, Warren Tesoro, Phil Zezima and Army veteran Dennis Dellabate who sang old school favorites like “Higher and Higher,” “At the Hop,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Runaround Sue.” They had the crowd clapping, singing and dancing along. Also featured was a local Howard Beach resident, Zachary Ballard, better known as the “Magical Marine,” who performed tricks that wowed the audience by proving that the hand is indeed quicker than the eye.

The entertainment was emceed by LauraLee and Richie D’Auria. There was bagpipe playing by Peter McMahon, and trumpet playing by U.S. Army veteran John Christ. Nick the Balloonatic provided the balloon centerpieces for decorating the tables and Deacon Alex Breviario from Our Lady of Grace gave the blessing.

Senator Addabbo presented Certificates of Recognition to the Fabulous Acchords and the Magical Marine for their dedication to providing entertainment to the veterans. He also presented Richie D’Auria with a certificate commemorating his retirement after 38 years of Music Ministry Service at Our Lady of Grace and continued support of community Music Ministry Service.

“As I like to say, every day is Veterans Day, and we should never hold back our respect and thanks to our nation’s veterans to only a few days a year,” Addabbo said. “That is why my staff and I hold this event each year, to say ‘thank you’ to our local veterans and their families for their sacrifice

defending our nation and our freedoms. It is the least we can do in their honor.”

Senator Addabbo would like to thank: Bruno Ristorante, C & C Italian Deli, The Cottage, Carlo’s Pizzeria, Danny’s Szechuan Garden, DiVino Pizzeria, Gino’s Pizzeria, La Villa Pizzeria, Lenny’s Clam Bar, Matteo’s/HB, McDonald’s (Cross Bay Boulevard), New Park Pizza, Russo’s on the Bay, Sal’s Pizzeria (Woodhaven), and Sugar Bun Bakery & Café, Etto Espresso Bar and Sweet Lil Sweets for donating the food for the event.

Senator Addabbo would also like to give a big thanks to LauraLee and Richie for obtaining raffle prizes from A&B Discount (Dollar Store), Sammy Lee Creations, Brina Ciaramella, Attorney-at-Law, and Custom Nightlights HB who generously provided the door prizes won by the veterans at the event.

“An event of this size could not be done alone, and I have a lot of people to thank for helping make this year’s BBQ another huge success for our veterans,” Addabbo said. “Besides the great local businesses who pitched in to give the veterans a great afternoon, I want to thank the Howard Beach Motor Boat Club for having us again, Pat Connelly, and of course my staff for getting everything together before the event and for making sure everything ran smoothly for the veterans. Thank you all, and I look forward to another great event next year!”

Video highlights from the Veterans BBQ can be viewed on Senator Addabbo’s YouTube Channel at the link below: 

https://youtu.be/-_ZLRFjCwB0?si=3lCoXdtTD3c7eTP6 

https://youtu.be/Q1cnkvq16Gs?si=OF4bSdElQj2fPcZ2 

https://youtu.be/bSutNHYzdgM?si=zTMmrOzB_PpQkG_P  

https://youtu.be/maVcSlWTU9M?si=tMbZrcdk64EW7PRK