Quagliata Honored at Sandel Center Casino Night

Saturday night’s Monte Carlo Casino Night at the was about more than just winning a game of black jack or guessing the correct number at the roulette table. 

There was plenty of that at the jam packed event organized by Friends of Senior Services, Inc. (FOSSI). But above all, it was about honoring a man who has worked tirelessly within the community to improve the lives of so many — Joseph A. Quagliata, president and CEO of South Nassau Communities Hospital.

“He has taken a small community hospital and turned it into a state-of-the-art medical facility,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said of Quagliata. “South Nassau treats all of us, from the time we are born right through our senior years.”

Quagliata was presented with a plaque from FOSSI midway through the event. 

“It is an honor for me to be here,” he told the crowd. “The things that South Nassau (Hospital) does as a mission driven organization are really quite simple. We work for you. I get to stand up and get the honors, but there are about 3,000 (employees) who are all committed to the community that we serve. We hope that we are setting a standard of care that doesn’t exist anywhere else.” 

Quagliata encouraged those in attendance to support the senior center, even joking that he had already filled out an application to become a member.

“We are very proud of the relationship that we have with the Sandel Senior Center. Bet a lot, spend a lot of money, and let’s support the cause,” he said. 

Judging by the full gambling tables throughout the room, patrons had no issues with Quagliata’s request. 

“I can feel when I’m going to win and I can feel when I’m going to go over (at the black jack tables), but sometimes I’ll take the chance anyway,” said Alison Gilbert, a member of the senior center. “You have to gamble. I really like it. I started out with eight chips and now I have 13. I won six times and lost twice. I even got black jack!”

Trying their luck at the tables wasn’t the only way to participate in the event. A Chinese Auction was held, offering prizes such as New York Mets tickets, a wine basket and designer sunglasses. 

The night would not have been possible without the contributions of some generous sponsors. Dinner and hors d’oeuvres were provided by Maple Pointe Assisted Living. Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing, Links Exit Realty, Signature Group, and Better Home Health Care were also major contributors.  

FOSSI, the group behind Monte Carlo Casino night, is a not-for-profit corporation that seeks financial grants for the betterment of local senior citizen services.