Friends of Jane Pontarelli, a force to be reckoned with, came together to celebrate her birthday. Jane has been involved with many charities throughout her lifetime. A few of the highlights include serving as President of the Woman’s Auxilliary of the Little Flower Children’s Services of NY State receiving the “Woman who Makes a Difference” award in 2004 for her philanthropy at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Jane served on the Advisory Board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for many years and was on the advisory board for “Play for PINK”. Jane is an avid golfer and played for many years for the P.I.N.K Golf event on Long Island. Much-needed funds were raised for Breast Cancer Research. Jane chaired the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County event at the Breaker’s Hotel in the 80’s. Jane was also honored by RSVP which rescues dogs in the Hamptons. She was born and raised in New York, Jane holds an undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marymount Manhattan College and NYU. She has been with Douglas Elliman for 16 years in NYC.Pontarelli champions three types of charities. In her own words, “Children, because they’re the beginning of life and our future. Cancer, because it’s a tragic part of life. And animals because they are the voice of the voiceless”.Her white Maltese, (the late) LuLu, greatly enhanced her life and made her famous with their books “The Palm Beach Society” and International Pet Scene. For several years they helped produce a glossy coffee table book of fancy pets dressed in couture or dripping in jewels from Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Chopard, riding in a Porsche with D & G sunglasses. These books featured the Who’s Who in the Pet World. Throughout the pages, pet lovers pay homage to the four-legged kids who make such a difference in their lives. The proceeds benefitted many local pet charities. For three years Jane featured people and their pets, monthly, in a major publication.
Jane previously served as the elected ladies’ golf chairperson at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach County.
Jane is very active with the 3 West Club which she is very proud to be a part. The event generously hosted by beautiful club member and friend, Marcia Minassian, was a night to remember. Marcia is an accomplished Real Estate Broker with the largest company in Westchester, Houlihan Lawrence, serving domestic and international markets.
Jane’s birthday was also shared with two other 3 West Club friends and members with January birthdays, Lynn Shaw who is the Founder and Executive Director of Lynn’s Warriors, a nonprofit based in New York City, with a mission of educating the public about human trafficking happening in every town, city and rural area in America. The third birthday celebrant was Keri Pendergast, Treasurer for Lynn’s Warriors and Finance Associate on the Board of Governors for 3 West Club.
The evening would not have been as memorable without the incredible performance by actress, singer, dancer, Quinn Lemley, Star of Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On and Burlesque to Broadway. She sang famous songs from the days of classic Hollywood cinema. Her brilliant accompanist, Andrew Wheeler was also stupendous.
Last but not least, world-renowned artist, Tatyana Horoshko Gegera, delivered her outstanding portrait of Jane and Joe Pontarelli with the late and beloved, LuLu to the show. The impressionist-style portrait was exquisite. A Meet and Greet showcasing her amazing work will be hosted by 3 West Club on March 4th, 2024. The portrait of Jane and her family is richly deserved given all she has done to help humanity throughout her amazing career. Her friends all wish her health, happiness, prosperity and fulfillment now and throughout the years to come.
