Published on September 4, 2026 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
- Published: Sep. 03, 2026, 8:47 p.m.
Shown, from the left, are Linda Baran, Kristine Garlisi and Craig Stoebling Staten Island Advance
By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sundog Theatre is sure to take you back in time for “An Underground Evening for the Arts: Sundog Theatre’s 2026 Gala,” a speakeasy-inspired celebration taking place Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hilton’s ABOVE Ballroom.
The evening will celebrate three remarkable Staten Islanders whose leadership and commitment to the arts, education and nonprofits have made a lasting difference in the community: Linda Baran, Kristine Garlisi and Craig Stoebling.
“An Underground Evening for the Arts,” Sundog Theatre’s 2026 Gala will unfold on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the ABOVE Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island Advance
Under the theme “Where discreet generosity makes a bold difference,” this year’s gala will bring together community leaders, supporters, artists and friends of Sundog Theatre for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of the arts.
Linda Baran, president & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, will be honored for four decades of service to Staten Island’s business and nonprofit communities.
For 40 years, Baran has championed local businesses, fostered young entrepreneurs and helped strengthen the borough’s economic and civic landscape. She also made history as the Chamber’s first female president and CEO.
Kristine Garlisi, executive director of The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation and COO of The Nicotra Group, will be recognized for her dedication to philanthropy, community investment and arts education.
Through her work with the Nicotra family’s philanthropic initiatives, Garlisi helps bring to life their vision of giving while spreading the Nicotra family “LOVE” throughout Staten Island.
Craig Stoebling, director and former New York City theatre teacher, will be honored for nearly five decades of dedication to Staten Island theatre and arts education.
Throughout his career, Stoebling has inspired generations of young performers, educators and theatre enthusiasts, leaving an enduring mark on the borough’s cultural community.
Guests at “An Underground Evening for the Arts” can expect a festive three-hour event featuring a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, curated raffle baskets, a silent auction, themed experiences and opportunities to connect with fellow arts supporters.
Every good speakeasy has a room reserved for those “in the know.”
Sundog is excited to offer, among other events, exclusive wine tasting from Staten Island’s Vino Divino Winery, along with a special cigar experience presented by A-List Janitorial Supplies & Cigar Club of Staten Island.
“Our annual gala is about so much more than one evening,” said Susan Fenley, Sundog Theatre’s executive director. “It is an opportunity to celebrate the people who believe in the power of the arts and who understand how deeply the arts can impact a child, a family and our entire community. This year’s honorees each have made an extraordinary difference in their own way. Sundog Theatre is thrilled to shine a light on their accomplishments while raising the resources we need to continue bringing meaningful arts experiences to children and adults. We hope our guests will step into this special underground world with us and discover just how bold a difference their generosity can make.”
Proceeds from this year’s event will help Sundog continue providing innovative arts programming to students and audiences who benefit from opportunities to learn, create and connect through the arts.
“We are incredibly proud to honor Linda, Kristine, and Craig, three remarkable individuals who represent the very best of Staten Island,” said Marjorie Hack, chairwoman of Sundog Theatre’s board of directors. “Each of them has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community. They understand the importance of investing in the arts and in the next generation. Our gala is a salute to their accomplishments and a celebration of everyone who believes the arts are necessary in our society. We invite the community to join us for an unforgettable evening and help Sundog continue this important work for years to come.”
How to attend
For further information about “An Underground Evening for the Arts: Sundog Theatre’s 2026 Gala,” and to purchase tickets, journal ads, or sponsorships, visit sundogtheatre.org and click on “Events.”
For additional information, contact Sundog Theatre at 718 816-5453.
Event tickets are $160 each; sponsorships range from $500 – $10,000; journal advertisements range from $125 – $2,000.
About Sundog Theatre
For 24 years, Sundog Theatre, a nonprofit organization and the largest provider of arts education programming in the Staten Island community, uses theatre, dance, music and the visual arts to inspire, educate and connect audiences of all ages.
Through original productions, touring educational performances, youth acting classes, and arts-in-education programs, Sundog brings meaningful, inclusive creative experiences to students and families.
Sundog is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that serves a diverse constituency that includes POC, LGBTQ+, the economically struggling and underserved, persons with disabilities, older adults and multi-language learners.
As Inside Out columnist, she traces life’s poignant moments and highlights those whose generosity of spirit contribute to the betterment of Staten Island. As a features writer, she conducts in-depth interviews…more
