Giovanni’s Trattoria, Eltingville, partnered with the Verrazano Kiwanis Club to host their first Brunch With Santa event on Sunday with two sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. More than 70 people turned out for the festivities which included a gourmet brunch, Hollywood-style snow, photo favors with Santa Claus and free toys to all children who attended.
“It’s important to partner with businesses in the community,” said Steve Argentine founder of the Verrazano Kiwanis club. “Our club is happy to know that children will be receiving the toys we collected this Christmas.”
The Verrazano Kiwanis Club donated 50 toys for the event. The remaining toys will be given out to children who come to the restaurant with their families this week until the toys run out.
“It was a great day all around,” said Frank Rapacciuolo, owner of Giovanni’s Trattoria. “We look forward to giving out the toys this week and thank Steve Argentine and the Verrazano Kiwanis Club for partnering with us.”
The Jersey Street Merchant Association hosted its first holiday party on Friday to celebrate new businesses that opened along the corridor and to help encourage future businesses to locate there.
The free party was hosted in conjunction with Councilwoman Debi Rose, the Staten Island Downtown Alliance, the NYC Department of Small Business Services, the Verrazano Kiwanis Club and the Mt. Sinai United Christian Church.
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