Saturday, October 17, 2026
SIBSPlace marked its 26th anniversary with its annual gala on Sept. 19 at the Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor, raising a record-breaking $425,000 to support the organization’s programs.
The “Arts After Dark” gala, presented by Long Island Thoracic Surgery, drew more than 200 attendees and raised the largest amount in the event’s history, according to SIBSPlace.
The evening included live entertainment by the Jazz Senders, a dance performance by New York Vibe dancers, dinner and cocktails, and silent and live auctions.
SIBSPlace, an affiliate of Mount Sinai South Nassau, provides free prevention-based mental health and supportive services to children ages 5 to 17 who have a sibling or parent with cancer or another life-threatening illness, or who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
The organization uses expressive arts therapy, peer group support, family guidance and year-round programming as part of its services. SIBSPlace serves families in Nassau County and the surrounding region.
The gala honored Rockville Centre residents Kenneth and Susie Falcon for their commitment to children, families and the Long Island community. Kenneth Falcon is a partner at the law firm Falcon Rappaport & Berkman.
The Falcons have supported SIBSPlace for years, including through advocacy and participation in efforts supporting the organization’s programs.
The Helene Wrenn Memorial Award was presented to Dr. Arti Datta, founding artistic director of Mudra Dance Studio in Muttontown and president of The Mudra Foundation: Art for a Cause.
Datta is a clinical scientist who conducted post-doctoral cancer research at Hammersmith Hospital in London and NYU Langone Medical Center. She founded Mudra Dance Studio in 1993 and The Mudra Foundation: Art for a Cause in 2003.
Datta serves on the board of the Long Island Arts Alliance and has been recognized by the India Association of Long Island for her contributions to the arts.
“Kenneth and Susie Falcon, and Dr. Arti Datta, with their dedication to the arts and philanthropy represent exactly the kind of commitment that keeps our programs free and accessible to families who need us,” said Joanna Formont, executive director of SIBSPlace, in a statement. “Support like theirs is what has allowed SIBSPlace to operate and thrive over the last 26 years. Their support and that of all who came to our gala gives the children that we serve a safe place to express and share their feelings and get the direct support they need, to process grief and hardship, and it's why we exist today. This gala lets our community celebrate that impact together.”
Other sponsors included Falcon, Rappaport & Berkman, The Gold Family, Flagstar Private Banking & Wealth Management, George and Alan Abizeid, Douglas Elliman, and Marsha Satuloff and Richard Streim.
SIBSPlace was founded to provide support to children and families dealing with cancer, other life-threatening illnesses and bereavement. Its programs are offered at no cost to participating families.
