Pictured, left to right, are John Lynch, gala co-chair; Irwin Quintyne; Hon. Walter Saxton and Craig Pavlik, gala co-chair.

Co-Chairpersons John Lynch and Craig Pavlik have been discussing the upcoming 2001 gala with Amityville Justice Walter Saxton and Irwin Quintyne, board member of the North Amityville Community Economic Council. Saxton and Quintyne will be awarded the 2001 Frank B. Powell Humanitarian Award. This year’s gala will be held Friday, June 1, 6:30 p.m. at the Huntington Hilton, Melville.

In keeping with Amityville Rotary’s continuing theme of "know your neighbor," this year the Rotary Club will honor three local residents at its annual gift of life gala.

The Frank B. Powell Humanitarian Award is given to individuals who exemplify the Rotarian motto of "service above self." Saxton’s and Quintyne’s numerous years of public service have made the community a more beautiful place to live. Throughout each of their respective careers, Saxton and Quintyne have received many accolades for their years of dedicated service to their communities.

Also being honored with special recognition at this year’s gala is Amityville Rotarian Charles Dequilfeldt. Dequilfeldt has served the community and Rotary for many years, dedicating himself to the student exchange program.

Gift of Life is a humanitarian program that provides life-saving heart surgery to children with congenital heart defects. Each year the Gift of Life program in Suffolk County sponsors a number of children for heart surgery. Through the generosity of Long Island’s hospitals and doctors, Rotary can provide this life-giving surgery. The proceeds raised from the dinner and auction go to the Gift of Life program and other Rotary projects that support children.

Tickets for the event are $85 each and are available at James P. Wandell Accounting, 80 Broadway, Amityville and the law offices of Richard Handler, 50 Broadway, Amityville. Journal advertisements are also available. For further information you may contact John Lynch at 631-691-5836.