Comedy and Music Took Center Stage at Charity Gala
This year, The Cannata Report’s 40th Anniversary Awards & Charities Gala delivered some of the most memorable moments in the history of the event: an opening comedy set by Larry Weiss of Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office (see video) presented by HP, an energetic live auction of five signed iconic 1985 albums with letters of authenticity that helped us raise additional funds for diabetes research in memory of Mike McGuirk of ProCopy Office Solutions, a Flex Technology Group company, and standout vocal performances by Cherie Tucker-Labuzetta of Xerox and Ed McLaughlin of Predictive InSight, who both sang with our band, Skyline Drive Orchestra, at the After Party, sponsored by Xerox for the fifth consecutive year.
To mark our 40th milestone, President and CEO CJ Cannata selected iconic albums that have each left their own 40-year cultural footprint. Five standout classics from artists who defined the 1980s were auctioned: Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” Prince’s “Purple Rain,” Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Heart’s eponymous comeback album, and Dire Straits’ “Brothers in Arms.”
40th Gala Auctioneers Frank Cannata and CJ Cannata
The Cannata Report’s tenured auctioneer, Frank G. Cannata, was joined at the podium this year by CJ Cannata, whose encyclopedic knowledge of the artists and albums on the auction block captivated the audience. With stories that traced each record’s origins, milestone achievements, and historical significance in rock and pop culture, CJ wowed the audience—especially with lesser-known anecdotes, such as that “Purple Rain” was initially written as a country song intended as a collaboration with Stevie Nicks, whom Prince initially approached to write the lyrics.
CJ entertained attendees with rapid-fire musical facts and figures: “Purple Rain” was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry as a work of cultural, historical and visual significance; “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Brothers in Arms” each sold more than 30 million copies globally, a feat achieved by less than 20 albums in music history; Heart’s 1985 release transformed the band into a household name, spawning the no.1 classic single “These Dreams;” and Madonna’s lead single and title track from “Like a Virgin” remains one of her two most defining songs, coupled with the album’s follow-up single, which cemented her persona as the “Material Girl.”
The audience responded enthusiastically, and we thank Laura Blackmer of Konica Minolta, Johnathan Garlow of Ford Office Technologies, Kelly McGuirk (Mike McGuirk‘s wife), Ed McLaughlin of Predictive InSight, and Reena and Earl Philpot of Precision Duplicating Solutions for their winning bids. In total, $9,500 was raised through the album auction alone. These proceeds will be added to funds generated through ticket sales and personal donations and donated to the Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, the beneficiary of this year’s Gala. An announcement regarding the total funds raised will be made at a later date.
The Cannata Report Introduces the First-Ever “Name That Frank Award Tune” Contest
This year’s Gala also introduced a new musical twist: our “Name That Frank Award Tune” contest, inspired by many guests who have told us they play their own version of “name that tune” each year as presenters walk onstage to music cues. With CJ assisting Frank with the auction this year, in addition to his selecting every track for presenters, winners, and honored guests, the timing was perfect to launch this inaugural contest and test our guests’ music IQs.
Konica Minolta—otherwise known as Table #13—took home the top prize, earning the highest score among all participating tables. Their win was particularly impressive as they were the only group to correctly identify the music cue for Best Manufacturer, presented by Phil Houser of DSI, as “No Easy Way Out” by Robert Tepper, a one-hit wonder from the 1985 “Rocky IV” soundtrack that peaked at #22 on the “Billboard Hot 100” in 1986.
Congratulations to the music aficionados at the Konica Minolta table, who win bragging rights and a $25 Amazon gift card each: Barry Simon of Datamax, along with Konica Minolta’s Laura Blackmer, Elisa Esposito, Deanna Flanick, John Fulena, Maggie Grande, Amanda Hansen, Stacey Lucariello, Heather Milcarek, and Vicky Ringwood.
At the After Party, we were treated to performances from Cherie Labuzetta, who was back by popular demand after debuting at last year’s gala. This year, she sang several numbers, including “Forget You” and “Rehab.” Cherie was joined on stage (see above) by Xerox/Lexmark colleague Sean Endicott for a beautiful version of “Time After Time.” Industry icon Ed McLaughlin (below), known for his smooth vocals and interpretations of music standards, performed “Summer Wind,” made famous by Frank Sinatra, and charmed the crowd with “What a Wonderful World.”
We are grateful to everyone who helped us celebrate 40 years with such standout moments that made this year’s Gala memorable. Thanks to all of our guests and those who donated to our fundraising, and special thanks to our sponsors: Hytec Dealer Services and TD SYNNEX (Platinum sponsors); ConnectWise, Distribution Management, First Citizens, and Katun Corporation (Gold sponsors); and Nexera and Static Control (Silver sponsors).
