Sitting in her office at the Boys & Girls Club, Lori Bahnik, benefit chair, was elated. "I couldn't believe the support we got for the auction gala! We netted over $200,000 after expenses," she said.

The main auction brought in $75,000; the silent auction $20,000; the super silent auction $15,000 and the journal $82,000. Money came also as a result of sponsorships, ticket sales and donations. Arcotoys' Bill Quinlan donated Disney Beanie Toys that were placed on each seat at the tables; English Country Flowers did the centerpieces; Chocolicious of Locust Valley gave miniature chocolate boxes as table gifts; the music of the band Galaxy was donated by Vreni and Greg Scheu; the dance floor was donated by Carol and Hank Hintermeister (to protect the pristine gym floor); the catering was by The Metropolitan of Glen Cove; Andrew Pascoe did the flowers seen at the entrance; Diane and Bernie Yatauro donated champagne.

"The whole evening from beginning to end was hopping," said Lori. "Everyone was up for it. You could see it by the way they came in," said Camille Mastellone, development director.

The guests were given champagne donated by the Yatauros, as they came into the clubhouse and walked into the ballroom. It was a ballroom, with yards of fabric draped to lower the ceiling. There were balloons in yellow, blue and turquoise floating above the tables. The napkins and trimmings varied from table to table reflecting the three colors of balloons. Stemmed wine and water glasses stood waiting.

There were cocktails and two stations of buffet offerings as well as hors d'oeuvres being offered from trays by circulating waiters.

People were socializing, talking to each other and didn't just go to their tables. "It was a great guest list - all back from last year," said Lori. "There was a lot of enthusiasm everywhere."

At 8 p.m. there was another transition as Lori Bahnik took the microphone and introduced Tori Mierlak who sang the Star Spangled Banner. "She was unbelievable. Like Whitney Houston. Watch out, you are seeing the beginning of a great career," she said.

Roger Bahnik, started the auction telling the audience, "Be adventurous and bid against me and Jim Scoroposki."

"They were a comedy team," said Lori.

The fun for Lori was introducing the young leaders of the club, the members of the Torch and Keystone Club. They held up the auction items and the audience reacted to them wonderfully.

Among the great stories from the evening took place when the dancing began, "Tom Golon and Janet were dancing up a storm. He gave his own show. He was in great spirits. At one point he took off his jacket and tossed it away - mimicking Saturday Night Fever.

" A lot of people saw him. He did it so dramatically. - just like the movies," said Lori.

"Ed Westfall, the former Islander hockey player and present commentator for the Long Island Islanders was there. He is a great golfer too," said Lori. "At last year's golf tournament everyone was trying to 'Beat Eddie.' Next year, we will give an auction gift of "Golf with Eddie."

"I've got an idea for next year too," said Camille - already thinking ahead to that event.

"The night was awesome," said Lori. "It was a lot of work, but it was worth it when you see the total."

"When you're there that night it's such a high," said Camille.

"The whole room was buzzing," said Lori.

The pictures and the captions tell more of the story. Next week, there is more to see about the gala, in the Oyster Bay Enterprise Pilot!