A record-setting turnout, perfect June weather, and a shared commitment to bettering heart care made Staten Island University Hospital’s 2026 Bocce, Golf & Tennis Classic one of its most successful fundraisers yet. For Foundation board member Anthony Santo, it’s a tradition that represents the very best of his home borough.

BY AMANDA McCOY • PHOTOS BY AMESSE PHOTOGRAPHY

There couldn’t have been a more perfect day to spend outdoors. Under brilliant blue skies, with afternoon temperatures settling comfortably in the low 80s, more than 450 business leaders, physicians, philanthropists, and community members gathered at Richmond County Country Club on June 8 to flex their athletic skills at Staten Island University Hospital’s annual Bocce, Golf & Tennis Classic. Throughout the day, 140 golfers navigated the lush, tree-lined fairways while another 240 competitors filled the bocce courts, eventually joining tennis players and guests for an outdoor cocktail reception and dinner beneath the early summer sky. By evening’s end, the sold-out event had raised a record-shattering $344,000 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Lois & Richard Nicotra Heart Institute, with proceeds supporting future advancements in cardiovascular care for patients across Staten Island.

The tournament has become one of the hospital’s most anticipated annual charitable events, a testament to the unwavering dedication and support of the many sponsors, physicians, hospital leaders, local figures, and community volunteers behind the scenes. For Anthony Santo, vice chair and longtime member of the SIUH Foundation board and co-chair of the tournament’s golf outing, the record-setting day represented far more than another successful fundraiser. For the proud Staten Islander, it highlighted just what makes his home borough so special – Staten Islanders show up for one another.

“We sell out every year, and people genuinely look forward to it,” said Santo, an avid golfer himself. “It’s a fun, casual format. The golf, tennis, and bocce tournaments take place throughout the day, and everyone comes together afterward for cocktail hour and a big outdoor dinner.”

Though born in Brooklyn, Santo has called Staten Island home since he was nine years old, and he wears that history with pride. He attended Wagner College on a football scholarship before launching what would become a decorated four-decade career in accounting at Henry F. Malarkey & Co., where he started as a college intern and today serves as managing partner.
Seven years ago, after being invited by then-Chair Philip Mancuso, Santo joined the SIUH Foundation Board, eager to give back to the community that had shaped both his personal and professional life.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a long, successful career,” said the CPA. “The hospital does so much for the people of Staten Island, and this was an opportunity to give back and help wherever I could. I jumped on it.”

As a longtime member of the Richmond County Country Club, Santo naturally gravitated toward helping organize the golf component of the Classic. “The format has become part of what makes it special,” he explained. “It’s relaxed. We keep the speeches brief, honor outstanding people from the hospital, and give everyone plenty of time to enjoy themselves in a laid-back setting. Word has gotten around, and people know it’s going to be a great day.”

This year’s honorees reflected the very mission the tournament supports. Mitchell D. Weinberg, MD, chair of cardiology at SIUH, and Alexander Iribarne, MD, chair of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Lois & Richard Nicotra Heart Institute, were recognized for their leadership in advancing heart care throughout the borough. The funds raised will help support the Heart Institute’s continued growth, expanding access to innovative cardiovascular treatments close to home for Staten Islanders so there’s never a need to leave the island to receive world-class heart care.

In addition to serving on the board of the SIUH Foundation, Santo sits on the Staten Island University Hospital Regional Executive Council, helping guide the hospital’s strategic direction and community initiatives. He also serves as treasurer of the Richmond County Savings Foundation, which has contributed more than $4 million to the hospital over the years, including a $1.5 million gift that funded a CT scanner at SIUH’s South Campus.

Community service has become a defining thread throughout Santo’s career. The former college linebacker also serves as chairman of the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame, an organization he said helps foster confidence, discipline, and opportunity for young people across the borough.

“I grew up here, went to school here, and built my career here,” Santo said. “This community has given me so much. Being able to support our hometown hospital and help ensure people receive outstanding care close to home is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of.”

Staten Island University Hospital Foundation — give.northwell.edu/staten-island-university-hospital