Celebrity decorator helps celebrate influential
Islander
Involved Castleton Corners
resident is lauded during CSI fund-raiser, which featured antics of
special guest
Staten Island Advance - Thursday, May 18, 2006
Celebrity decorator Mario Buatta, known as "The
Prince of Chintz," entertained a group of Staten Islanders yesterday
with a slide show that combined humor, education and a glimpse into
the lives of the rich and famous.
During the fund-raiser for student scholarships and undergraduate
research hosted by Friends of the College of Staten Island and
College of Staten Island Foundation at the Hilton Garden Inn,
Bloomfield, Buatta showed off his work and helped honor fellow
Islander Sally W. Williams for her contributions to the environment
and education.
A former West Brighton resident and Curtis High School graduate,
Buatta has done work for a roster of A-list celebrities, including
Mariah Carey, Barbara Walters, Billy Joel and Malcolm Forbes.
"Everything tells a story," said Buatta, as a slide of a townhouse
he previously owned was projected on a large screen behind him. "I
started collecting items at [age] 11. I hate to give anything up."
Buatta showed and explained some of the work he did for Walters,
Forbes and in the Blair House in Washington, D.C. -- the official
guesthouse for state visitors.
Prior to his featured presentation, Ms. Williams, immediate past
president and current board member of the Greenbelt Conservancy, was
honored for her commitment to the environment and the College of
Staten Island, where she was a founding member and past president of
the College of Staten Island Foundation board of directors.
"Overwhelmed would put it mildly," said the Castleton Corners
resident of the honor. "I know that I'm one of the most fortunate
persons on the face of the planet."
A retired chief of the Staffing Services Division of the U.S. Office
of Personnel Management, Philadelphia region, Ms. Williams grew up
in West Brighton and is a graduate of PS 45 and Curtis High School.
She encouraged people to visit the Greenbelt Nature Center and
touted the College of Staten Island.
"The college presents such an opportunity to people on this Island,"
she said. "It's been a joy to be involved."
Alice Diamond and Norma D'Arrigo, honorary co-chairs of the
luncheon, expressed their gratitude to Ms. Williams for her work and
to Buatta for his presentation.
By Michelle Maskaly
Reprinted here with permission
from the
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