STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On Your Mark will reprise the organization’s Annual Spring Gala on Saturday, April 20, at the Hilton Garden Inn, when Nicotra’s Ballroom will come alive with captivating entertainment, games of chance, live auctions and more — all to support a very worthy cause. Updated

The organization, dedicated to providing innovative and comprehensive community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is on a mission to promote inclusion, empowerment, and a higher quality of life for all.

What’s more, it has made a steadfast commitment to enhance the lives of those it serves within the community of Staten Island — and beyond.

In speaking of the upcoming gala evening, John Bilotti, executive director of On Your Mark, expressed his excitement as this year’s Spring Gala quickly approaches.

“We have some major announcements to make, from the unveiling of the new On Your Mark Campus to some very generous and heartfelt donations in support of our many new developments,’’ he said. “This is a period of growth that we look forward to celebrating with our community!”

The Annual Spring Gala serves as both a celebration of the organization’s achievements and a vital fundraiser to ensure the continuation of its impactful programs.

This year, On Your Mark will honor the South Shore Kiwanis Club and the North Central Kiwanis Club of Staten Island for their outstanding support and dedication to the organization’s causes and endeavors.

Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in furthering the mission of On Your Mark and empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, an On Your Mark announcement said.

“We are thrilled to invite our community to join us for this year’s Spring Gala,” said Nadia Fabozzi, interim director of development at On Your Mark. “It’s not just an evening of glamour and festivities. It’s a chance for us to come together and make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Every ticket sold and every contribution made directly impacts the programs and services we offer.”

Tickets for the Annual Spring Gala are available for purchase on the On Your Mark website at www.onyourmark.org. Supporting On Your Mark helps the organization continue its work, empower individuals with disabilities and help them to thrive.

An evening of elegance, music, prizes — and surprises galore — plus plenty of community giving, came to life at the On Your Mark Annual Spring Gala in Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn, where some 600 revelers attended to benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The evening also served as a celebration of the organization’s achievements and ensured the continuation of its impactful programs that benefit special needs individuals and allowed On Your Mark to expand services.

Throughout the years, On Your Mark has made a commitment to enhance the lives of its participants. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis presented On Your Mark with a donation of federal funds — $1.5 million — earmarked for renovations of the organization’s fitness center and elevator in its building at Victory Boulevard and Forest Avenue in West Brighton.

On Your Mark lauded members of the South Shore Kiwanis Club and its president, Tom Conte, and the North Central Kiwanis Club of Staten Island and its president, Richard Kerney, for their year-long, support of the organization.

Nadia Fabozzi, interim director of development at On Your Mark, said, “Every day I’m privileged to be on staff at On Your Mark. We are truly blessed. And thanks to the On Your Mark board of directors for leading the way for us.”, welcomed all to the event with special thanks to On Your Mark families and friends.

“On Your Mark has once again experienced growth and has opened up new avenues for opportunity for our individuals,” said John Bilotti, executive director. “Your steadfast support has played a significant role in this achievement. It is through your generosity and commitment that we are able to maintain the highest standards of service, love and companionship for our participants. Over the past year, On Your Mark has continued to evolve and innovate, restructuring, reevaluating and revitalizing our cherished programs, services and facilities. Tonight’s event will be an opoortunity to showcase our recent accomplishments and to honor those individuals whose daily actions embody the very essence of our mission.”

Bilotti explained that this year they were privileged to present an award that is extremely dear to them, The Judge G. Trager Memorial Community Recognition Award.“It is so important to give the award to the South Shore Kiwanis Club,” he stated. “Every year they extend an invitation to On Your Mark individuals granting them the experience of attending the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall. The cherished tradition has transformed into a source of boundless excitement and anticipation for our individuals, allowing them to feel like true superstars.”

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it,” said candy man Willy Wonka of the eponymous chocolate factory movie. Chocolate fans on Staten Island can do just that in West Brighton with On Your Mark Chocolatier’s latest endeavor.

Workers in the shop just minted a limited edition candy bar — milk chocolate blended with crushed pretzels, toffee crispy rice, graham crackers and toasted coconut. Only 250 pieces have been produced, six of which have been wrapped with an individual Copper Ticket. Inspired by the latest Willy Wonka flick, the Copper Ticket concept gifts six lucky winners with a massive chocolate basket plus a $25 store gift certificate.

The contest ends on Dec. 4. The unique candy bars are sold while supplies last. The copper ticket takes its name from the shop’s copper-on-aqua logo schematic. The signature colors have been in place since the store’s inception eight years ago. The state-funded On Your Mark not-for-profit shop employs over 20 locals. Supervised by several trained crew members including Director of Business Joe Gori, the staff turns out bonbons, truffles, chocolate bars and intricate seasonal pieces.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Aloha! For this week’s Best Dressed, featured are photos from On Your Mark’s Luau on July 6 at LiGreci’s Staaten. Respite and Residential Departments welcomed guests to their first in-person party since 2019.

The On Your Mark individuals and staff delighted in seeing friends they had not seen in three years, enjoying the tunes of DJ Angelo of Party People Promotions. “We were so happy to partner with the Residential Department to continue the tradition of the yearly Luau Party,” said Joelle Bilotti, the Interim Director of Respite at On Your Mark. “We know how much our individuals look forward to this annual celebration.”

The On Your Mark Respite Program has been slowly rebuilding itself since it reopened its doors in October of 2021. The luau was a celebration of the hard work of the new, and returning, staff members. The Respite department has redeveloped and reimagined this long standing program over the past year.According to Bilotti, the individuals of On Your Mark are participating in trips to the movies, bowling alleys, museums, cooking classes, and even overnight getaways at the agency’s vacation property, Camp Chill Away. The goal of this program is to provide endless activities that integrate the individuals into the community.