CANCER IS REALITY FUNDRAISER

Mob Wives in limo going to the event!

Last Thursday night a fundraiser was held to raise money for cancer. We can all relate to this disease. It’s great that so many of us have made a difference by partaking in breast cancer walks raising money for new technology and research. This particular fundraiser will benefit  people who can not  afford to get a mammogram on their own. Free mobile units will be set up for free mammograms. The biggest way to beat breast cancer is awareness and early mammogram's are the key.

Chip, Paulie (La Grande Cigars), Frankie

The event, which took place on the Arthur Avenue Market in the Bronx, looked to be quite a success. Set up in the middle of the market is La Casa Grande cigars, one of the hosts for the event, and they had  skilled professional cigar rollers on site.  The event featured some speeches, raffles and live music by Gfella, an Italian hip-hop artist.  Arriving early, I met Nora from Chicago Mob Wives, who was looking very nostalgic  in her outfit, and she seemed pretty busy helping out.

Big Ang and Gigi

Sheila and Pete Giudice

Pia looked stunning!

Frank Russo was looking HOT!

Arthur Avenue is known as the neighborhood setting that the Mama's Boys from the Bronx are from. Three of the boys were there from the show. Giovanni, the cannoli king; Chip, who's gym Krunch Time Fitness hosted and was he looking VERY handsome; and Frankie, who is always sweet.  Gigi from Jerseylicious, Sheila and Pete Giudice, brother and sister-in law of Teresa from RHONJ, were also there for support. The very charming Frank Russo, from Big Ang, also came by.  Mob Wives Big Ang, Carla, Leah and Pia all arrived together making a grand entrance. Big Ang came adorned in a lovely white big fluffy fur coat. Pia looked stunning in a little red dress. Carla, whose body is nearly perfect, sported a black studded dress, and Leah DeSimone, who wore pink. As soon as Big Ang hit the pink carpet camera flashes went off from every direction. 

Mob Wives got up to speak

Nora Schweihs

Each of the girls were called up to speak about cancer and mentioned someone they know who has been affected by the disease. They all thanked everyone for their support and were happy to be a part of the event. Big Ang & Carla had some fun behind the cannoli counter and the girls mingled with the guests and were open for picture taking with fans.

Cannoli fun!

A few times I strolled across the street for some fine wine and I guess Nora did the same. Laughing it up with the guys at the bar, she seemed to be having fun and we all had a few laughs.

It's always great to see the Mob Wives taking time out of their busy schedules to help a good cause. Cheers to everyone who showed up and supported the cancer event.

Written By: Carmela Corleone

Please follow me on twitter @carmelacorleone 

Big Ang: Meet Frank Russo, Bartender at Drunken Monkey

Frank Russo, bartender and cast member.

We all know the “Big Ang” show is premiering tonight at 9:00 pm on VH1 following the  Mob Wives Chicago. I’m not the only one getting ready for this night, but the cast from the Big Ang show are also preparing themselves for the red carpet in Manhattan. I got the chance to meet with Frank Russo, one of the bartenders at the Monkey and asked him a few questions. 

Hi Frank, so nice to meet you! Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.

Oh, no problem, I was looking forward to it. 

First of all, I must ask your age.

25

I guess there goes my crush because I set the age limit from the age of my nephew, who is 28.  Where did you grow up? 

Right here on  Staten Island. 

How long have you worked at the Drunken Monkey? 

Since I was 21. I was off and on for a short time but then I returned. 

How did you learn to bar tend? 

Big Ang taught me everything I know. I came here as a kid and she taught me how to bartend. 

Explain what Big Ang means to you? 

Ah...shes like a mom, sister, friend and of course a boss. But not really like a boss. 

Besides bar tending a few days a week, what else do you do and what are your other interests? 

I am part-owner and trainer at Dolphin Fitness on Forest Avenue, right here on Staten Island.  When I am not working, and have time off, I like to spend it with my friends relaxing.

Speaking of friends, I know Anthony is also a bartender here at the Monkey, what's your relationship with him? 

Anthony is like a mentor to me and we became very good friends. 

Tell me a little bit about your personality and what you like about it. 

I like that I have the  ability to work well with people. I am very sociable and people are drawn to me. I can easily build relationships with them. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? 

Definitely in business. I have some goals, whether it be in a gym or another business but def in business. 

Besides Big Ang what other mob wives are you closest to? 

Renee, she comes in here and also Jenn, who isn' t really a mob wife, but the great mind behind the show. We have gotten very close since the connection to the show. 

Do you watch Mob Wives Chicago? 

Yes, of course! 

Do you like it? 

Yeah! 

Are you dating? 

Nope, I'm single. 

Well thank you so much Frank. I look forward to watching you on Sunday nights. 

Yeah,  thank you and don't forget to send me the links to the blog! 

That concluded  my interview with Frank. 

Renovated Drunken Monkey!

If you would like to meet Frank Russo, he tends bar on Wednesday and Friday nights at the Drunken Monkey. I did stay of course, and mingled with Big Ang and her brother, Steve, along with his wife, Maria. They are very warm people and we had a few laughs. There were a lot of family members there, but I would need to do a  family tree to put it all together. The Drunken Monkey is a meeting place for not only the reality stars and their families, but they welcome the locals and of course fans, who make a trip in to see them. The bar has been recently renovated and has a sleek look to it. Each of the lamps are different and ornate and provide warm lighting.  Behind the bar are Miami blocks, lit with a nice touch of  blue lighting. The bar has a DJ and a dance floor to make everyone happy. There's also a photo machine, where you can take your picture and have it personalized with a Drunken Monkey logo. Just across the street from the bar, is the now famous Big Ang mural, which I have been told is in every borough. Good Luck to Big Ang, her cast and her family. 

Written By: Carmela Corleone

Remember to watch the Big Ang Show tonight and come back tomorrow for my recap!

Please follow me on twitter @carmelacorleone 

Picture Credit: Carmela Corleone