Montauk Chamber of Commerce is paying tribute to community leader and Chamber President, Paul Monte during its annual End of the Season Gala on Friday, November 13th. Monte will be honored as the 2015 Person of the Year.
“It’s an easy decision this year to honor Paul Monte, he gives so much to the Montauk community,” said Chamber Executive Director Laraine Creegan.
Monte, who is also a Special Advisor to Gurney’s Resort & Seawater Spa, moved to Montauk in 1968 when his father, Angelo Montemarano, came to “The End” to work with Angelo’s brother, Nick Monte, as the General Manager of Gurney’s. The honoree began his career as a dishwasher at Gurney’s, at just 12-years-old, and for the following ten years, got experience in a variety of fields at the Montauk resort, “working nearly every job there, in and out.” In addition to Gurney’s, Monte has been involved with several East End ventures, including The Pizza Place, Main Beach Food Concession, and Mimosa Beach Café. “Having lived here for the past 46 years of my life, Montauk is my home,” he shared. “Even though I was not born here it is the place that I hold nearest and dearest. My family is here, my friends are here, my home is here and my heart is here.”
Monte has served as Chamber President for 11 years. “Living here and raising my children in such a close-knit community has been such a blessing,” he explained. “I have always tried to participate in the community and school activities and to volunteer my time when I could.”
The End of the Season Gala will be held at Gurney’s and begin at 6:30 p.m. with a one-hour cocktail party, followed by dinner, music and the award presentation.
Tickets are $90.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is located at 290 Old Montauk Highway in Montauk. For more information, call 631-668-2428 or visit www.montaukchamber.com.