A Saturday event that honored City Councilman Curtis Milteer raised funds for a larger event next year.

The Saratoga Reunion Benefit Gala Dinner welcomed dozens from throughout the community. It was a fundraiser for the Saratoga Reunion, a weeklong event set to take place next year.

Milteer was honored with a presentation during the event at the Faith Temple Christian Fellowship Center on Brook Avenue. Suffolk Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Chavis was the keynote speaker. Chavis was born and raised in Saratoga, and Milteer was raised nearby as well.

“It would be only best for us to honor Councilman Curtis Milteer,” said Domenick Epps, chairman of the reunion. “He’s a pillar of the community. He was born and raised there. That’s where his heart is.”

Chavis spoke on the topic of unity, which was fitting for a reunion event, Epps said.

“That was a very timely message,” he said. “Unity is very important for the reunion to be successful.”

Epps said many people have been wanting to have a Saratoga reunion for years.

“I’ve learned that a lot of people came out of the neighborhood,” Epps said. “Lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, clergy members. There’s a lot of history in that neighborhood.”

Epps said he is excited about the reunion and the potential it holds for dispelling stereotypes about Saratoga.

“I’ve learned in just a short amount of time that the positives that came out of it really outweigh the negatives,” he said.

For more information on the reunion, call 582-8155.