New Haven Independent

Such was the event and its attendees on Thursday night. Anthony’s was the perfect setting for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Connecticut State chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Contrary to popular perception, they are not anti-drinking (except for the underaged), they are pro-limo!
That was evidenced by their special honorees of the evening. Two hundred fifty celebrants gathered to mark the occasion. Joe LaSchiavo of Orange, a former member of the national board of directors of the organization and former top Stratford cop, was a featured speaker. The Connecticut state executive director and co-founder of the organization, Jan Heggie Margolis (married to former North Haven cop Mark Margolis) was the presenter. Co-founders Bernie and Deb McLaughlin (he was formerly with the Office of the State Comptroller and North Haven Democratic town chairman)were hosting a special table of active volunteers.
Joseph and Francesca Maiorano, surrounded by four tables of family and friends, were toasted for their financial support of the organization. Owners of New Haven’s Tre Scalini
and Fire (formerly Polo Grille) restaurants, they have consistently
provided cash and collateral for fund raising activities.
The younger generation was hailed with the tributes to Marla Prete (former Miss Connecticut)and Ari Gorfain (owner of Bopper’s DJs) Both had been active in the
organization since their adolescent years. Ari was the president of his Hamden middle school DARE and high school SADD programs; he now runs a major skate-a-thon for MADD in addition to providing music
for all of their youth leadership and public awareness events. The theme of Marla’s reign was “Know to say No,” a topic that she continues to espouse in public forums.
Michelle Lettieri, executive director of MADD’s Fairfield County chapter and statewide victim advocate, was also celebrated. She brings personal empathy and intense dedication
to her work because of a tragic crash in which she and her sister were injured and her mother was killed. Her sister, Paula Dagostino, is the development director, and her sister, Marietta Dalberio, is a very committed volunteer.

Prosecutors and attorneys joined the gathering to support MADD. Bridgeport lawyer Richard Bieder (ever the generous supporter of most good causes) was the major event sponsor. Albert Carocci, of the firm of Walsh, Burt and Carocci, and partner in the Fireside Restaurant, was there with his father, Arnold Carocci and Neil Prete (no relation to Marla), both well known in the construction trades. Jaime Lettieri (daughter of Michelle and Jimmy) is both a former contender for the title of Junior Miss Connecticut and a U.S. marshal in the courts; a cadre of marshals and other courtroom personnel joined the festivities.