Thursday, August 6, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Angelina’s Ristorante
399 Ellis Street
Staten Island, NY 10307
As we commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, join us for an evening of Liberty & Legacy honoring the Staten Islanders who are making history through their contributions to the borough’s economic development. Together, we celebrate the leaders whose impact is building the next chapter of Staten Island’s story.
2026 Honorees
Vincent Bonomi
President and Managing Partner
TradeMark Graphics
Vinny Bonomi has been embedded in Staten Island’s nonprofit and business community since 1995, working with local schools and organizations to improve the lives of people of all abilities. He pursued studies in Psych Rehabilitation at Lehman College and the College of Staten Island before beginning his career with South Beach Psychiatric Center. As Vocational Coordinator, he developed and launched a variety of training and employment programs, including vending, retail, cleaning, and gardening initiatives that helped individuals gain valuable workplace skills.
He was also an original member of the committee that established the screen-printing business that became Special Tees in 1995. As Director of Special Tees for more than 25 years, he trained and employed upwards of 45 individuals of all abilities annually while promoting self-esteem, self-worth, and socialization through meaningful work experiences.
Under his leadership, Special Tees became an award-winning business and a model for affirmative enterprises throughout New York City. In 2021, he partnered with TradeMark Graphics, a 40-year-old company providing wearable and promotional products to schools, teams, organizations, and businesses. Now known as Specialties by TradeMark Graphics, the company continues to thrive under his leadership, and as President and Managing Partner, he continues to serve his community and businesses alike, just as he has for the past 30-plus years.
In 2021, he also founded VJB Consulting, where he works with nonprofits, businesses, schools, and agencies throughout the tri-state area to expand opportunities for people of all abilities. Vinny has served on numerous boards and committees, involved as a member of SIEDC and Vice President of the Staten Island Bucks Business Networking Club, while also holding leadership and board positions with several community organizations. Born in Brooklyn, Vinny and his wife Donna now reside in Rossville with their two daughters, Jenna and Jaime.
Kamillah Hanks
NYC Council Majority Whip
Kamillah M. Hanks is a lifelong Staten Islander and proud mother of four, dedicated to advancing smart growth and economic opportunity on the North Shore for nearly two decades. With a background in marketing and finance from the College of Staten Island and more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, she has built a career defined by advocacy, innovation, and leadership.
In 2012, she founded the Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership, working with civic leaders, community organizations, and schools to strengthen cultural and economic revitalization in Stapleton and surrounding neighborhoods. She established Staten Island’s first YouthBuild program, creating pathways to vocational training, education, and job readiness for young adults. Under her leadership, YouthBuild Staten Island secured a 1.1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2018.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamillah partnered with local businesses and YouthBuild participants to produce and donate more than 5,000 face shields to first responders and health care workers. In 2020, she founded the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island to address inequities and expand opportunities for women of color in business.
Elected in 2021 as Council Member for Staten Island’s North Shore, Kamillah has delivered more than 98 million dollars in funding for schools, parks, health care, and community initiatives. She also worked with Mayor Eric Adams to secure 426 million dollars for the transformative North Shore waterfront revitalization project.
In January 2026, she was appointed Majority Whip of the New York City Council, becoming the first Staten Islander in history to serve in this leadership role. Her appointment reflects the trust of her colleagues and elevates Staten Island’s voice in citywide decision making.
Throughout her career, Kamillah has championed small businesses, expanded access to education, and supported public safety initiatives, including Staten Island’s first Community Justice Center. Her work has earned numerous honors, including being named a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement and a Young, Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial award honoree. She resides in Stapleton with her family and remains committed to building a more inclusive and thriving North Shore.
Robert Wallace
Chief Administrator in Charge of Community Partnerships and Government Relationships
College of Staten Island
Robert Wallace is the President of the College of Staten Island (CSI) Auxiliary Services Corporation and Executive Legal Counsel and Chief Administrator in Charge of Community Partnerships and Government Relationships. Robert started with the College in 2017 as Executive Legal Counsel. In 2018, he assumed the added responsibilities of Chief-of-Staff/Deputy to the President.
Prior to joining the College, he served as an Assistant Commissioner/Deputy General Counsel at the FDNY for 11 years, overseeing their Bureau of Investigations and Trials and the Bureau of Legal Affairs.
From 2003 to 2006 Mr. Wallace served as Associate General Counsel at the New York City Department of Homeless Services where he counseled managerial and executive staff on employment matters and civil service law and was key member of a legal team that ended 22-year court oversight of the City system through attainment of unanimous recommendation from court-appointed Special Master Panel. Prior to this appointment he worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office from 1997 – 2003 under Robert M. Morgenthau.
Robert also currently serves on the New York State Small Business Development Board (SBDC). He graduated cum laude from Brooklyn Law School where he was a Richardson Merit Scholar, and summa cum laude from Brooklyn College with a BA in Political Science, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Tunnel To Towers Foundation
Founded in honor of Firefighter Stephen Siller, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries forward a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and service. On September 11, 2001, Stephen, a member of FDNY;s Brooklyn Squad 1, had just completed his shift when he learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Determined to help, he drove to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, only to find it closed. Undeterred, he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave his life while saving others.
Inspired by Stephen's extraordinary example and his belief that "while we have time, let us do good," the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has become one of the nation's leading charitable organizations supporting America's heroes. Since 9/11, the Foundation has provided mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders with young children, built specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, worked to eradicate veteran homelessness, and preserved the memory of September 11 for future generations.
Through its unwavering commitment to service, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation continues to transform lives across the country while ensuring that Stephen Siller's legacy of selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice is never forgotten.
Caroline Harrison
Chief Executive Officer
Advance Local
A native Staten Islander, Caroline is a graduate of Staten Island Academy and holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College. Caroline and her husband Tim are the proud parents of two grown children, of a son Timothy Jr and daughter Alice. Caroline is Chief Executive Officer of Advance Local and is also Publisher of the Staten Island Advance and its affiliated website, silive.com.
Caroline began her career at the company as a college intern reporter at the Staten Island Advance. Upon graduation, she became an Executive in Training at the New Orleans Times-Picayune and then the Patriot-News in Harrisburg, PA, before returning to the Advance in 1999 as General Manager, working closely with her father, longtime Publisher, Richard E. Diamond. In April of 2004, shortly after her father’s death, she was named Publisher of Advance. Caroline was named President of Advance Local in January 2018 and CEO in April 2020.
Advance Local is a leading U.S. digital media and marketing company, delivering award-winning local journalism and innovative business solutions to communities nationwide. Advance Local, which today operates in markets across the country including Oregon, Ohio, Michigan and Massachusetts, got its start more than 100 years ago when Caroline’s great uncle SI Newhouse purchased the Staten Island Advance in 1922. Through massive technological change, the company has evolved for today’s digital age, while remaining true to its origins in its present-day mission. The company’s mission statement sums up the heart of Advance Local, which is, “To Strengthen and Empower the Communities we serve.” Through its affiliated newsrooms Advance Local has earned multiple awards in recent years, reflecting its commitment to impactful journalism. Most recently in 2023, the AL.com team was awarded Pulitzer Prize awards for Local Reporting and Commentary.
Recognized for an investigation into predatory policing in Brookside, Alabama, the local reporting led to the removal of police officers, changes in state law, dismissal of court cases, and the release of jailed individuals.
The Staten Island Advance/SILive.com has consistently earned recognition for its impactful journalism, securing numerous awards across prestigious contests in recent years. In 2025, the newsroom received honors from New York State Publishers Association Awards for Excellence including "Distinguished News Photography," "Distinguished Online Photo Gallery," and "Distinguished Multi-Media Presentation," in addition to recognition for beat reporting. The staff's housing coverage of New York City's "City of Yes" initiative also won the Distinguished Community Service Award. The New York State Journalist Association awarded the newsroom second place in the state for "Overall Presence in Social Media".
These achievements underscore the publication’s commitment to serving its community through high-quality, locally focused journalism. Caroline has continued to honor a tradition started by her father in 1962 with the Women of Achievement Awards. This program celebrates women who make significant contributions to the Staten Island community. This program has evolved to encourage volunteerism and community partnerships by mentoring and granting scholarships to students that display volunteerism traits.
Caroline serves as a board member of the Richmond County Savings Foundation. She previously served as an Elective Trustee of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, on the Staten Island Academy board (former President, 2011-2015), as Chair of the Board of the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College, on the Board of directors of the Alliance for Audited Media, on the Board of Directors for Mutual Insurance Company and on the board of the Newspaper Association of America.
Ticket prices
• General Ticket - $275/Table of 10 - $2,500
*Note: SIEDC members receive one (1) free ticket to the Gala. Members: Redeem Here
Sponsorship opportunities
• $5,000 Legacy Sponsorship
Benefits:
- Acknowledgement during awards ceremony as a premier sponsor
- Recognition of sponsorship on event signage and rotating e-journal visible throughout the event
- Company logo listed on promotional materials, email blasts, social media posts, and website
- 5 Tickets to the Gala
• $2,000 - Liberty Experience Sponsor SOLD
Benefits:
- Acknowledgment during program
- logo or company name featured on signage next to interactive experiences and activity stations
- Recognition of sponsorship on event signage and rotating e-journal visible throughout the event
- 2 tickets to the Gala
• $2,000 - Centerpiece of Celebration Sponsor SOLD
Benefits:
- Acknowledgment during program
- logo or company name showcased on signage next to each centerpiece
- Recognition of sponsorship on event signage and rotating e-journal visible throughout the event
- 2 tickets to the Gala
• $1,000 - Milestone Supporter
Benefits:
- Recognition on rotating e-journal visible throughout the event
- 1 ticket to the Gala
• $2,500 - Cheers to 250 Years Sponsor SOLD
Benefits:
- Signature drink bar featuring your logo and name on signage
- Custom cocktail branded with your company name
- 2 tickets to the Gala
• $2,000 - Spotlight Sponsor SOLD
Benefits:
- Exclusive signage at the entertainment stage
- Recognition during key performances
- Logo showcased on rotating e-journal shown on screen throughout the event
- 2 tickets to the Gala
• $1,500 - Stars of Style Sponsor SOLD
Benefits:
- Recognition on themed marketing materials and digital signage
- Opportunity to present the “Stars of Style” Best Dressed Awards
- Logo on rotating e-journal shown on screens throughout the event
- 1 ticket to the Gala
Best Dressed Awards
Lady Liberty - Awarded to the best dressed woman of the evening
Founding Father of Fashion - Recognizing the best dressed man
American Sweethearts - Recognizing the best dressed couple
For more information, please contact amanda@siedc.org
