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Atlas Foundation's 29th Teddy Dinner Lights Up Staten Island with Celebrity Glamour

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 8:57 GMT by Staten Island Advance

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Atlas Foundation’s 29th Annual Teddy Dinner: Stars, Charity, and a Night of Giving in Staten Island

On a crisp November evening, Staten Island’s historic “Teddy Dinner” turned into a glittering gala that drew celebrities, philanthropists, and community leaders alike. The Atlas Foundation—founded by former Staten Island Councilmember Robert “Bob” Atlas—hosted its 29th annual Teddy Dinner on Saturday, November 17, 2025. The event, a hallmark of the island’s social calendar, blends high‑profile entertainment with a deep commitment to charitable causes that directly benefit Staten Island residents.

A Tradition Rooted in Community

The Teddy Dinner began in 1995 as a simple fundraiser to support local charities, including the Staten Island Hospital, the St. George Community Center, and various youth programs. Over the past 29 years, the event has grown into a multi‑day affair, featuring a pre‑dinner reception, a formal dinner, live music, auction segments, and an awards ceremony honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the island.

The Atlas Foundation’s mission is “to leverage the power of community, culture, and philanthropy to improve the quality of life for Staten Island residents.” Each Teddy Dinner serves as a showcase for that mission, with proceeds earmarked for scholarships, community infrastructure, and emergency relief funds.

The 2025 Gala: Highlights and Key Attendees

A Night of Glamour and Gratitude

The dinner took place at the historic Old St. George Theatre, a venue that has long been a cultural touchstone for Staten Islanders. The venue’s elegant ballroom was transformed into a festive setting, complete with candlelit tables, a live jazz quartet, and a 12‑meter LED screen displaying highlights of past Teddy Dinners.

Celebrity Guests

The 2025 event welcomed an array of Hollywood and sports personalities. Among them were former MLB star David Ortiz, who returned to his roots on Staten Island after a brief residency at the island’s private clubs. Ortiz’s appearance was a major draw, with his warm interaction with children from the local youth baseball league.

In the realm of music, R&B icon Tasha Smith performed a medley of her greatest hits, drawing cheers from the audience. Smith, who has been a long‑time advocate for arts education on Staten Island, spoke passionately about the importance of providing music programs to underprivileged youth.

Other notable attendees included NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, actor and comedian Kevin Smith, and political figure New York City Councilmember Sara Dunlap. The presence of these high‑profile figures amplified media coverage, ensuring that the fundraiser’s reach extended beyond the island’s borders.

Auction and Fundraising

A highlight of the evening was the silent auction, featuring items such as:

• A “Day in the Life” experience with David Ortiz, including a private dinner and a meet‑and‑greet.
• Original paintings by local artist Lydia Rivera**, each depicting scenes from Staten Island’s neighborhoods.
• A signed set of Tasha Smith’s first‑issue vinyl record, packaged in a custom case.
• A “Staten Island Heritage” photo‑book that captures the island’s evolution over the last 50 years.

The auction alone raised $350,000, surpassing the previous year’s total by 18%. The funds were earmarked for the Staten Island Youth Sports Scholarship Fund, providing stipends for students who excel academically and in athletics.

Community Impact and Future Goals

The Atlas Foundation released a statement announcing that $520,000 was raised at the 29th Teddy Dinner, earmarked for several key initiatives:

1. Staten Island Youth Sports Scholarship Fund – $200,000 for scholarships.
2. Staten Island Community Kitchen Project – $150,000 to fund a new kitchen that will offer meals to seniors and low‑income families.
3. Staten Island Emergency Relief Fund – $100,000 to bolster local disaster response capabilities.
4. Staten Island Arts Initiative – $70,000 to support music and visual arts programs in schools.

The Foundation also announced a new “Digital Learning Hub” planned for the St. George community center, aimed at providing high‑speed internet and educational resources to residents who might otherwise lack access to digital tools.

A Look Ahead

The Atlas Foundation’s Teddy Dinner is more than a glamorous social event; it is a concrete mechanism for giving back to the very community that supports it. In an interview with Silive.com, Atlas himself reflected on the event’s legacy: “Each year, we’re reminded that the best way to give back is to bring people together, celebrate our shared identity, and invest in the next generation.” He emphasized the importance of sustaining the Youth Sports Scholarship Fund, noting that athletics can serve as a powerful conduit for personal growth, discipline, and community pride.

For those who missed the 2025 dinner, the Foundation’s website offers a gallery of photos, including candid moments of donors, speeches, and the final donation tally. Additionally, the site links to a “Teddy Dinner Archives” page, which provides historical context for each year’s event, including past beneficiaries and fundraising milestones.

In Summary

The 29th annual Teddy Dinner, held on Staten Island’s Old St. George Theatre, showcased the Atlas Foundation’s enduring commitment to philanthropy, community, and culture. With a star‑studded guest list, a record‑breaking silent auction, and generous donations surpassing half a million dollars, the event reaffirmed Staten Island’s capacity for collective action and generosity. As the Foundation moves forward with its new digital learning initiative and expanded scholarship programs, the Teddy Dinner’s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift residents across the island for years to come.