STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Some 200 patrons of the arts enjoyed an evening of elegance and refinement Friday when the Staten Island Museum played host to its 2025 Gala at the Richmond County Country Club, the storied Dongan Hills mansion.

Visionaries and leaders from the worlds of education, science, history philanthropy — and politics — came out to celebrate the success of the North Shore cultural’s outstanding exhibitions and programming.

Co-chairing the event were Kathryn Aquino, a trustee, and supporter, Niles French, who offered poignant welcoming remarks.

“We are so pleased to have you join us this evening as we honor outstanding museum and community supporters: Shaw-naé Dixon and The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation,” said Aquino from the podium. “It is wonderful to see this room full of so many community leaders, Trustees, past honorees, members, patrons and guests. We want to also recognize our corporate members who support the Staten Island Museum all throughout the year.”

She added: “As both a Trustee and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the power of the Staten Island Museum’s education programs. My kids have come home from school after making Lenape pinch pots in kindergarten, proudly showing off their ‘ancient artifacts’ and this summer, they’ll be heading to Earth Camp.”

Echoing those words, French noted: “We want to acknowledge the amazing event committee for all their work to make tonight’s event a success. We look forward to this event all year and thank everyone for helping raise funds toward delivering the museum’s mission.”

He continued: “We want to acknowledge the amazing event committee for all their work to make tonight’s event a success and our event sponsors. We look forward to this event all year and thank everyone for helping raise funds toward delivering the museum’s mission.”

Milestone anniversary

The posh gala also marked the 10-year anniversary of the Staten Island Museum’s modernized, magnificently renovated building at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

The magical evening would also laud revered community leaders with names like Shaw-naé Dixon, the proprietor of Shaw-naé’s House and a leading creative innovator and culinary talent, and Teddy Atlas Jr. and The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation — who were recognized for their exceptional support of Staten Island causes and beyond.

Last year the museum worked with Shaw-naé during a “self-care” style brunch to honor women in healthcare as part of the “Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital” exhibition programming.

She also will be named a 2025 Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement on Thursday at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The museum has worked with the Teddy Atlas Foundation to provide STEM/STEAM programs at local schools for the last several years, especially Title 1 schools that often can’t afford hands-on experiences.

The Atlas foundation continues to support Staten Islanders in areas of medical assistance and food pantries, to education and music programs, that reach into all aspects of the lives of Staten Islanders.

The honorees

A Staten Island native, Shaw-naé is an eighth generation descendant of the first free Black settler who purchased land in the Sandy Ground community on Staten Island’s South Shore.

Her ancestors developed a free Black community using their skills as master oystermen and farmers.

They expanded their skills by building the community and creating entrepreneurship opportunities which paved the way for some of the first land transportation businesses, oyster bars, night clubs and restaurants.

Their ingenuity established a strong foundation for the Sandy Ground community, one of the oldest communities inhabited by its original descendants and a known stop in the underground railroad.

Her family’s history paved the way for the visionary and the empowered entrepreneur who became the owner and operator of the soul food phenomenon called Shaw-naé’s House.

She emerged from the pandemic and created her intimate six-table soul food boutique that hosts folks from the world over.

Shaw-naé’s groundbreaking efforts to bring people together has become the talk of the culinary world, where she continues to gain recognition.

Shaw-nae’s House has ranked No. 50 in New York Times Best Restaurants for 2024.

She also holds a rank as one of four New York restaurants in the top 50 in the country and listed as one of 144 best restaurants for 2024.

She also became the first Staten Island restaurant to receive two stars from the New York Times, and is the Advance/SILive.com’s Number One restaurant for 2024.

“Thank you to everyone in he room my absolute family, my tribe, who are the voice of the community of Staten Island,” Dixon said. “We are still family. And no matter who comes into Staten Island, we make sure we take care of all of Staten Island.”

After speaking about her six children she continued: “We have six tables and 20 seats and the restaurant is open three days a week for five hours for the entire world. I have people from Australia and The Philippines. Staten Island is a community that will embrace you in love — just like a family member."

TEDDY ATLAS JR.

The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation is known for its generous humanitarian work across Staten Island, providing financial and emotional support to organizations and individuals in need.

The foundation has spearheaded endeavors such as creating the Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Program, distributing turkeys on Thanksgiving and toys on Christmas to families in need, and operating a year-round food pantry.

It has also made an impact on individual levels, installing wheelchair ramps for the elderly and disabled, purchasing medical equipment for those who cannot afford it, and paying for the travel of families with sick children if their treatment is far from home.

The foundation was founded by boxing trainer, sports commentator, and native Staten Islander Theodore A. Atlas Jr., in honor of his late father. After his promising boxing career was cut short by injury, Teddy turned to using his talents to train fighters. He has trained 18 world champions across various weight classes, serving as cornerman for some of boxing’s biggest names, including Mike Tyson and Wilfred Benitez.

Outside the ring Teddy trained dancers, choreographers, and actors, and provided commentary for popular E.A. Sports video games.

He has been a boxing commentator for four Olympics and as well as ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Teddy brought his motivational abilities to speaking engagements, including at several NFL teams, as well as at many universities.

Teddy and his wife, Elaine, are parents of Nicole, an attorney specializing in medical malpractice defense, and Theodore III, an NFL scout. Teddy and Elaine have four grandchildren, Joseph, Theodore IV, Mara, and Adaline.

Teddy Atlas Jr. acknowledged his wife, and his family and friends for being present as he received his award.

“I don’t know why I’m receiving this award when I’m doing things we are privileged to do. But I appreciate it,” Atlas said. “But what makes it unbelievable is to share it with all of you and Sharon Curry [the executive director of the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation]...Thank you to the good people at the Staten Island Museum who head the educational programs at the museum. My dad was a believer in education, that not only develops the body, but the mind. Thank you for the recognition.”

More from the podium

Dolores Morris spoke from her heart when stating that she was honored to have been entrusted to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees and lead an amazing group of individuals who are stewarding the Staten Island Museum into the future.

“Our board is exceptional – but I’m biased," she quipped. “I’m saying thank you a lot, but it’s genuine. Your support is essential. Thanks to the support of our members, donors, and supporters, the Museum has been able to advance its mission of sparking curiosity and making meaningful connections within our community. This spring, the Staten Island Museum participated in the citywide Teen Arts Week with teen-led tours and a drawing workshop. We are proud to grow our offerings for teens... Because I believe the museum is for everyone – all ages. We’re not just a school trip or a homework assignment."

Janice Monger, the Museum’s president and CEO was impressed by the turnout and acknowledged all in attendance.

“This year we celebrate renewal for the Staten Island Museum.... This fall we present the 75th anniversary Fence Show outdoor artist market showcasing the Island’s creativity. You have brought the Staten Island Museum to reach these milestones with your dedicated support of this institution. The Staten Island Museum delivers exhibitions and programs that expand our understanding of Staten Island’s history and our relationship to the environment, framed by artists and scholars. With continued growing interest, we extended the ‘Taking Care’ exhibition about the Black Angels nurses so that even more people can learn about this history and these brave women’s contributions to changing the course of public health.”