The beefsteak itself remains the star of the show, but the committee that works so hard behind the scenes deserves a special round of applause as well. Its members are the main reason the beefsteak dinner to benefit St. Joseph’s Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor goes off without a hitch, year after year.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the dinner, which was held Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Brownstone House in Paterson. Margaret Kolb was this year’s chairman, assisted by the other members of the committee: AnnMarie Abene, Patrick and Veronica Cappucci, Peggy Favocci, Terry Fusco, Maureen Heinrich, James and Marsha Pasquariello, Nancy Petriello and Phyllis Santonastaso.
Somers & Steel were back again to provide the entertainment and their playing and singing soon had the dance floor–an innovation this year–filled with happy couples. A 50/50 raffle was also held, with a prize of $2,010.00! The winner graciously donated her winnings back to the Little Sisters.
Mother Margaret Charles, l.s.p., new superior at the Totowa home, welcomed the crowd of nearly 400 guests, and pronounced herself an enthusiastic convert to the beefsteak concept–a northern New Jersey specialty that somehow has escaped the attention of the rest of the nation. Those on hand showed themselves to be more than familiar with the tradition, pacing themselves on the antipasto and pasta, and leaving more than ample room to feast on trayful after trayful of tender pieces of beef filet served up on buttered bread.
Guests called it a night after winding up the dining and dancing, but–mentally, at least–were busy making reservations to attend next year’s dinner. Thanks to the continued support of our benefactors, the committee reached its goal of raising $20,000 to benefit the Home!
For a photo slideshow from this event, please click here.
Beefsteak Committee (Front row pictured from left ) Patrick and Veronica Cappucci, Phyllis Santonastaso, Margaret Kolb-chairperson, Maureen Heinrich, AnnMarie Abene and Nancy Petriello. (Pictured second row from left) Marsha Pasquariello and Terry Fusco. Pictured back row: James Pasquariello. Not pictured: Peggy Favocci
10th Anniversary Beefsteak Dinner a Wonderful Success!