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FARMINGDALE, NY — Mariano Schwartz has become known not only for his talented piano playing but for his generosity: He donates 100 percent of his tips to various causes when playing at 317 Main Street in Farmingdale most Saturday nights.
He recently supported Eric LeVine, the restaurant’s chef and managing partner. LeVine is gearing up to run the New York City Marathon on Nov. 3. He is raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of his younger brother, Ethan, who died of glioblastoma brain cancer around three years ago.
Schwartz, 17, donated $2,600 to LeVine’s cause after performing at the restaurant in October.
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Schwartz, who buses at 317 Main Street, started playing the piano in the restaurant’s back stage when he was 14.
“I feel like it’s been a way for me to show my gratitude and thanks for them allowing me to be there in the first place,” Schwartz told Patch. “…They’ve done nothing but be extremely kind and welcoming toward me. I felt it was only right to reciprocate the favor back.”
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People can donate to LeVine’s cause here if they’d wish.
Schwartz wished LeVine good luck with the marathon and wishes all the best for him.
“He’s done nothing but be kind to me when I work and when I see him,” he said. “He always says hi to me and always acknowledges me. I wanted to say thank you to Chef Eric for being so kind to me.”
LeVine said Schwartz is an “exceptionally generous young man.”
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“Every time he plays, he donates money to a different charity,” LeVine said. “Well, this was no different in that the last few months, he has pulled all of his tips and donated to my run for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as I run the marathon in memory of my little brother.”
LeVine said Schwartz has made the largest donation to his marathon fundraiser as of Wednesday.
“He is truly an amazing young soul raised by amazing parents who have been very supportive to us at 317 and Vico, and this young man deserves all the accolades that he gets,” LeVine said. “It’s a pleasure and honor to know this young man and I want to just thank Mariano publicly for being so generous.”
Schwartz thanked everyone who donated to his tip bucket so he could send the donation to LeVine’s fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“It means a lot to me, but it also means a lot to Chef Eric,” Schwartz said. “I think it means more to him seeing how many people accumulated and donated through me.”
Schwartz said he will be keeping tabs on LeVine’s run on Nov. 3.
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