REMEMBERING NICK COSTANTINO: EV Cares Cystic Fibrosis Gala — Friday, October 14 at the W Hotel

hMAG and the Hoboken community mourn the loss of our good friend, Nick Costantino, who fought a courageous battle against Cystic Fibrosis. Nick was diagnosed at 11 years old and was told he wouldn’t live past 16 years old. He passed this past August 4th at the age of 49.

“When Nick was diagnosed the doctors didn’t want him to do much—go away to college, play sports etc.,” says Jo-Ann Costantino, Nick’s Mother, “but his father and I wanted to make sure he led a full life, and that the disease didn’t control him. I think, looking back on that time now, we were successful—because my son really did live his entire life to the fullest.”

Nick served as a member of the Liberty Board of Realtors, while helping to transform Hoboken’s Empire Realty into an international real estate brokerage under Engel & Völkers—EV Hoboken.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nick’s gregarious demeanor and tremendous spirit made him a friend to many here in town. Although he’s gone, those friends want to continue to celebrate Nick’s memory by maintaining the annual fundraiser held in his honor.

The Third Annual EV Hoboken Cares CF Gala will be held on Friday, October 14th from 7-11pm at W Hotel Hoboken. In total, the gala has raised over $80,000 for CF Care over the past two years—this year hoping to raise another $50,000 for what would have been Nick’s $50th birthday.

“The last few weeks of Nick’s fight I watched him continue to mentor his agents, friends and colleagues from his hospital bed. I was in awe of his strength and ability to continue to help others even while he was fighting for his life,” says friend, agent and Gala Event Chairperson Lisa Troyano-Ascolese. “Nick asked me to make sure this year’s Gala was a successful event if he couldn’t make it. I promised my friend we would make this year’s CF Gala an epic evening in his honor and our amazing planning committee is working tirelessly to do just that.”

With the generous support of sponsors, including Minervini Vandermark Architecture, NJ Lenders, and Engel & Völkers Hoboken, the event will be a testament to Nick’s tremendous impact in our community.

Restaurants participating in the Empire Cares CF Gala include:

• Anthony David’s
• Ben & Jerry’s Hoboken
• Biggie’s Clam Bar
• Bin 14
• Callahan’s Hot Dogs
• Carlo’s Bakery
• Choc-O-Pain
• City Bistro
• The Cuban
• DelFrisco’s Grille
• Halifax
• Jarret’s Stuffed Cupcakes
• Johnny Pepperoni
• The Madison Bar & Grill
• Park & 6^th
  

Meanwhile, Giannone Wine & Liquor is proud to be the exclusive beer, wine and liquor provider for the event. All Photography for the night is donated by Michael Marmora Photography. All the floral designs for the event are donated in full by Laura Clare Designs.

The Bobby Lynch Band will be performing live, sponsored by John Estes of Regional Home Inspection.

All of the net proceeds go directly to the CF Care program that treated Nick his whole life.

“The aim of the gala is to raise as much money as possible while increasing awareness about the disease and celebrating Nick at the same time,” says Jane Estes, Broker at EV Hoboken.

Says Nick’s brother Rob Costantino, of NJ Lenders, “We are overwhelmed by the support the Gala and my family has received over the years. The outpouring of love present while we mourn the loss of my brother these last few weeks has been incredible. It’s a testament to how many lives he’s touched and how deeply he will be missed.”

In an interview with hMAG last year, Nick gave us a piece of wisdom that really summed up his outlook on life.

“Tell the people in your life how you feel about them, live with passion and smile every day. Life is an amazing journey, be grateful for every breath—I know I am!”