By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The sun shone brightly for a record-breaking number of community spirited locals, business leaders and friends of Staten Island University Hospital who came out for the health care center’s annual Golf, Tennis and Bocce Classic at the Richmond County Country Club.

The day kicked off with the first bocce ball rolled out at 10:30 a.m., before golfers took to the greens for a shot gun start at noon. Tennis players hit the courts at 1 p.m. for the fun day filled with fine food, drinks, and good company.

“We are very excited to welcome everyone back for our Bocce, Golf and Tennis outing, once again,” said Dr. Brahim Ardolic, executive director of Staten Island University Hospital.

Later in the day participants regrouped at the main clubhouse for the 6 p.m. reception that followed on the sprawling outdoor patio and indoor banquet room.

This year’s honorees were Dr. Christopher E. Graziano, past president of the SIUH Medical and Dental Staff, and Frank Wilkinson, chairman of the Rab Wilkinson Foundation — two dedicated individuals who’ve supported Staten Island through healthcare and philanthropy.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Florina Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital.

“As a member of Northwell Health, we strive to improve the health of the community we serve and are committed to providing the highest quality clinical care,” said Dr. Ardolic. “This cancer center is a must-have for the Island. We’ll bring all services under one roof to a larger state-of-the-art facility, with a focus on privacy and comfort, while augmenting the care of our other specialized oncology programs.”

This year’s event chairman was attorney Philip Mancuso, chairman of the SIUH Foundation Board.

Bocce co-chairs were Louis Tobacco, Matthew Langella, and Efrat LaMandre.

The golf co-chairs were Dr. Joseph Basile, Anthony Santo, and Charles Marchica, with tennis co-chairs Edward Mafoud, Marisol Mafoud and Anne Marie McDonough.

“Just a few weeks ago we placed the last beam on top of the coming Florina Cancer Center and in less than one year we will be cutting the ribbon to present this new center to the community. I could not be more grateful to you for your support today and for your never-ending loyalty,” added Dr. Ardolic.

HONOREES:

FRANK J. WILKINSON

Born and raised on Staten Island, Wilkinson is a second-generation business owner who began operating Rab’s Country Lanes on a full-time basis when he was only 18. Wilkinson comes from a bowling family, where his dad, Rab Wilkinson, started as a “pin boy” and continued his journey into a successful bowling center proprietor.

Each year Rab’s helps local organizations raise over $500,000 through fundraisers and events and boasts one of the largest youth bowling programs in the U.S. and awards over $25,000 in scholarships to youth bowlers annually.

Wilkinson was elected president of the New York State USBC Youth Leaders Chapter when he was 18 and, two years later elected president of the Staten Island USBC Association, a position he held until 2014. He’s served as a director of the National Council of Youth Sports, as well as director and chairman of the Youth Education Services Committee for the New York State USBC.

He also served served as president of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the National Governing Body of Bowling, where he’s still involved as a member of the Executive Advisory Committee and Chairman of their Nominating and SMART (Scholarship Management and Account Reporting for Tenpins) Oversight Committees.

He is a member of Rotary International through his affiliation with the North Shore Rotary Club on Staten Island, where he has served as president since 2019. Through the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, he’s been a mentor to aspiring young entrepreneurs and is a current board member. He’s received the NYS YABA Youth Leader of the Year Award and Youth Leader Alumni Bridging the Gap Award in 2004, the 2004-05 YABA National Male Youth Leader of the Year, the Local Youth Sports Administrator of the Year by The National Council of Youth Sports in 2008, South Beach Civic Association Scott Schneider Memorial Community Service Award and Staten Island Chapter of the American Cancer Society Distinguished Community Service Award in 2012, the NYS USBC Bridging the Gap Award in 2013.

He’s been recognized by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s 20 under 40 award, Top 40 under 40 in the Bowling Industry, the Staten Island Boy Scouts, On Your Mark, Sky Light Center, South Shore Rotary Club and City Access New York with their Community Recognition Awards and SIEDC.

Rab’s was listed No. 1 among the Top 31 Small Businesses on Staten Island by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) in 2018, recognized by the City of New York as the Staten Island Small business of the Year and as a Health Hero by the SIEDC in 2013. In 2015, Rab’s was named one of the Top 50 Small Businesses in NYC by 1010 WINS.

DR. CHRISTOPHER E. GRAZIANO

Dr. Graziano joined Staten Island University Hospital as an attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine after graduating from Drexel University’s Emergency Medicine residency program in 2001. He and his wife Stephanie were eager to move back to their home town, Staten Island, with their growing family.

He developed an interest in departmental administration, taking on administrative roles and enjoyed learning about the business of medicine.In 2005, Dr. Graziano worked administratively as medical director for a private EMS company before segueing into a similar role at the hospital, taking on several administrative roles within the Emergency Department.

Working as the associate medical director of the Emergency Department presented him with the opportunity to learn how the provision of healthcare in this setting is operationalized and financed.

During the same time, he became involved with the hospital’s medical and dental Staff, serving as an elected officer and eventually becoming president.

Dr. Graziano received his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania – Hahnemann University Hospital. He is currently an assistant professor, at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University.

Dr. Graziano is a member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians. In addition, he’s served on numerous committees including; the Medical Standards Committee of the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York City, Medical Executive Committee at SIUH and the Emergency Management Committee at SIUH.

He’s also participated in numerous research projects and publications and given several presentations.