Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — “An Evening of Hope,” a celebratory gala, is being planned by the Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF) Friday, Nov. 21, from 7 to 11 p.m. at LiGreci’s Staaten, West Brighton. Proceeds from the event will benefit the work performed by GMRF, whose mission is to assist children who are victims of war, natural disasters, or other catastrophes worldwide, and provide care, compassion and access to free medical treatments. To be honored with the Lifetime Ambassador Award will be Donna Jungreis and James and Kathleen McBratney. The Community Partner Award will be presented to The Ladies of Philoptochos Society. Stacey and Peter Montanti are co-chairing the event. “For over 27 years, Staten Island has shown their unwavering support for the children my charity has helped in support of our work, our mission, and our promise to aid resourceless children from the USA and around the world, who are innocent victims — amputees, burn victims, victims of war, conflict, violent acts, or natural disasters, or who suffer from functionally impairing birth defects. The power of empathy is love turned inside out which makes the world spin. Our honorees this year are the epitome of humanity at its best,“ said Elissa Montanti, founder and CEO of GMRF and a 2011 Advance Woman of Achievement. ABOUT THE HONOREES DONNA JUNGREIS Jungreis’ professional and philanthropic life reflects a deep commitment to giving back. She graduated from New Dorp High School and the College of Staten Island, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in the nursing program. During her 27‑year career as a registered nurse, with a focus on plastic and reconstructive surgery, she built a foundation of medical expertise and empathy that has carried her a lifetime of non-profit work, including volunteer work with United Cerebral Palsy, a mission trip to Vietnam with a group of plastic and reconstructive surgeons, the Boys and Girls Club of America, and local food banks. As the former chairwoman of GMRF, she led efforts that expanded the organization’s global reach, strengthened its governance and raised its profile for compassionate action. For the children served by GMRF, she offered concern, dignity, hope and practical care to young people who were in great need, but whose loves were often overlooked by others. KATHLEEN AND JAMES MCBRATNEY A lifelong Staten Islander, Kathleen McBratney retired after 31 years with the Department of Education, where she served for a number of years as a United Federation of Teachers Chapter Leader. She earned her master’s degree and her administrative license from the College of Staten Island. A founding member of the Silver Lake Kiwanis Club, she’s also served on the board of the GRACE Foundation. She’s mother and stepmother of James, Jenna, Kayla, Mark and Liam, and grandmother of three. JAMES MCBRATNEY McBratney, also a lifelong Staten Islander, founded Jimmy Max Restaurant in 1989 with his grandfather, John Denino. He graduated from the College of Staten Island in 2005 with a degree in business management and later earned a master’s degree in church management from Villanova University in 2021. He’s served on the board of management of the YMCA of Greater New York (Staten Island branch), as president of the Staten Island Restaurant & Tavern Association, and chairs the Finance Committee of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church. He’s coached at Snug Harbor Little League, Next Level Flag Football and OLGC soccer. His awards include the Anthony Varvaro Believe Award, the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame Unsung Hero Award, the Community Enrichment Award from the Minty Organization, New York Knicks City Spirit Award, Port Richmond High School Hall of Fame induction, the “Heart of a Lion Award” from the Reali Foundation and recognition as a community leader by the College of Staten Island’s Celestial Ball honor list. His restaurant pioneered a “pizza-making seminar” outreach program for local school children — more than 10,000 kids have participated — to build community engagement. The husband of Kathleen, he’s father of five children and three grandchildren. LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY OF HOLY TRINITY-ST. NICHOLAS CHAPTER 068 The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which, for more than 90 years, has offered philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. Rooted in the spiritual values of the Orthodox faith, the Society is dedicated to humanitarian efforts and it strives to make a meaningful impact on society. A non-governmental organization registered with the United Nations, Philoptochos is comprised of women who respond to needs and crises. The mission of Philoptochos includes fundraising efforts to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the sick, the handicapped and the victims of disasters, and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church. Philoptochos selflessly promotes the charitable, benevolent and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Established in 1931, it has grown to 480 Chapters nationwide. The endeavors of the society are a genuine expression of philanthropia, a term in the Greek language which reflects a manifestation of love. GALA INFORMATION Tickets to the gala are priced at $130 per person. Those interested in attending the should phone 718 448-6984, extension 103 or email info@gmrfchildren.org, or visit the organizatuons website.
