It certainly was a night to remember at the annual Star Network Kings of Long Island Awards and Networking Event.
On Thursday, April 6, nearly 500 people from all walks of life gathered at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck to recognize 45 men from Nassau and Suffolk Counties for their exemplary work in business and the community.
“You are the stars of tonight,” said Victoria Schneps, publisher of The Queens Courier and founder of the Star Network. “We are all thrilled to have you with us.”
The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour in which honorees and their guests could mix, mingle and get to know each other. Many congratulated each other and were excited to be recognized.
“I would like congratulate all of my fellow honorees,” said Anil Kapoor, President & CEO of SVAM International and recipient of the Excellence in Technology Award. “It’s great to be here tonight.”
Steven D. Lichtenstein, CLU, ChFC at Forest Hills Financial Group, said, “It feels wonderful to be hanging out with a group of very successful businessmen and women from Long Island.”
Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos was in attendance that evening, offering his congratulations to all of the honorees.
“I would like to congratulate you for your accomplishments,” said Comptroller Maragos. “Each one of you is an incredibly accomplished, and I know you have a lot more to give.”
As the night went on, everyone gathered in the main dining hall to receive their awards for the evening. Ashley Edwards, who was crowned Miss Long Island 2017, was also in attendance at the event.
Dilip Chauhan was recognized as one of the most prominent and dedicated advocate for the South Asian-American community. Dilip has touched the lives of so many people through his unwavering support for those in his community. Through his "Gateway to South Asian American Community Presentation" Dilip has connected countless corporate, nonprofit, academic, faith-based, and government leaders to the South Asian-American community. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos. In his previous role as the Director of Southeast Asian Affairs for the Nassau County Comptroller's office, he educated small business owners about govt. business opportunity available for MWBE. Dilip currently sits on the Boards of Service Now for Adult Persons (SNAP) and South Asian American Voice. In recognition of his accomplishments in his community, Congresswoman Grace Meng designated November 12th 2016 as "Dilip Chauhan Day" within the 6th Congressional District. More ever, Dilip's stellar service recently earned him New York State and City Hall's Political Rising Star "40 under 40" award among other prestigious honors.
Dilip Chauhan humbly accepted and dedicated his Award to the fast Growing South Asian American community. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. It is the best advice that I have received, and the best advice that I can give to anyone. Try it!
We are Indian Americans, Pakistani Americans, Bangladeshi Americans, Sri Lankans, Nepalese and other South Asian Americans. Just to give you an idea of our impact: Indian American Physicians in United States are 120,000, 18,000 Physicians in United States are of Pakistani Origin, 90,000 Convenience Store Own and Operated by Indian American, and 22,000 Hotel/Motel Own by Indian Americans.”, Dilip said.
At the end, Dilip thanked his family, friends Virendra Patel, Jitendra Parekh, Jacob Cherrian, Sukhwal Ji, Zinda Singh and Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos.
The evening’s raffle raised nearly $4,000, thanks to a very generous donation by honoree Danny Pisani, who bid – and won – on the trip to Cancun. Proceeds from the raffles went to support EIHAB Human Services and The United Family Beacon House.
This event was sponsored by Flushing Bank, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Investors Bank, D & F Development, New York Community Bank, Contour Mortgage, AgeWell New York, Forest Hills Financial Group, Stew Leonard's, Zwanger Pesiri Radiology, Marketing Works, Broadway Stages, EIHAB Human Services, Bethpage Best of Long Island, Georgi Vodka, Neiman Marcus and Godiva.
The Star Network, a division of Schneps Communications, brings the most powerful and active members of the community into one room through many targeted events. These provide face-to-face networking, as well as business building and branding opportunities.
