31st Annual Gala Honoring Luis Portiansky of Margolin, Winer & Evens - to benefit the life saving work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Greater New York Chapter- Long Island

On Saturday November 8, the Long Island Office of the Greater New York Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation held its 31st Annual Gala at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York. Mario Bosquez, co-anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning" graciously served as the evenings Master of Ceremonies. Luis Portiansky, director of marketing at the accounting and business advisory firm of Margolin, Winer & Evens, was this years honoree. Portianskys involvement with cystic fibrosis (CF) began in 1977 when his nephew, Damian Torres, was diagnosed with the disease.

(PRWEB) December 15, 2003 --On Saturday November 8, the Long Island Office of the Greater New York Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation held its 31st Annual Gala at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York. Mario Bosquez, co-anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning" graciously served as the evenings Master of Ceremonies. Luis Portiansky, director of marketing at the accounting and business advisory firm of Margolin, Winer & Evens, was this years honoree. Portianskys involvement with cystic fibrosis (CF) began in 1977 when his nephew, Damian Torres, was diagnosed with the disease.

Portiansky said, Ive always appreciated the information, advice and most of all, the compassion available from the CF Foundation. Through its people, volunteers, and activities, the CF Foundation has provided my family and Damian with the tools and the support we needed to find the medical treatment and hope we so desperately needed. Because we received so much from the Foundation my sister and I participated in as many volunteer activities as we could. The courage, enthusiasm and determination Damian showed in the face of this chronic and debilitating disease was inspirational. When I think back to our times together I still believe I got as much out of our activities as he did.

For my family and me, the CF Foundation was more than an ally in our personal struggle with CF; the Foundation was a friend. The organization and the tireless efforts of the CF families created a vigorous, loving and optimistic environment. Damian and his friends all died between 1990 and 1994 -- they ranged in age from 13 to 17. In the brief time they spent with us, they learned, they loved and they laughed. They lived. They also showed us how to overcome and persevere. Perhaps I can share a little of what I learned from them."

This personal connection and Portianskys overwhelming desire to help has been a tremendous asset to the Long Island Office. Luis is a well known and positive influence within the local business community and is someone who possesses the ideal attributes of a meaningful honoree," says Joy Cavalieri, director of special events for the Long Island Office. Luis understands the importance of fundraising, because he has a family and personal connection. He also uses his relationships in the corporate world to increase his fund-raising efforts for this worthy cause."

The gala raised more than $70,000 and is continuing to inspire donations weeks later. There are many ways to contribute to the fight against CF and to raise money towards a cure. For more information on volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, visit www.cff.org or call (800) FIGHT CF.
###