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Falu Foundation Anniversary Gala

Nov. 19, 2004

Faculty Hall, City College

The Falu Foundation was founded with one mission, to provide opportunities for development of low-income communities, using technology to increase the mobility, productivity and learning ability of children and adults alike. The areas which the Falu Foundation targets in its work include the “Digital Divide” (where people are “separated” from technology due to one or more factors, including income), jobs and economic development, children and technology, and ethnic heritage research. The foundation collaborates with numerous churches, Community Boards, schools, legislators, businesses, banks-financial institutions, foundations and other organizations.

The event started out with a wonderful invocation, and a warm welcome by the two Mistresses of Ceremonies, Myriam Ayala and Dr. Malin Falu, who introduced the first speakers, Dr. Goergina Falu, the Founder of the Falu Foundation, thanked everyone for attending, and spoke about her belief in using technology to help those that are in need.

Councilwoman and Manhattan Borough President candidate Margarita Lopez spoke next spoke about her strong belief in this organization, and that our society needs more organization like Falu to accelerate the growth and development of the low-income sector of our community.

Adam Clayton Powell IV then spoke about his experiences with the organization over the course of his twenty years in the community as an Assemblyman for the 68th District. He has seen the Falu Foundation grow by leaps and bounds, and strongly advised that everyone not procrastinate in their registration to vote (by waiting until the day before the election.)

Guest Speaker Shirley Rodriquez Remenenski, Chair & President of One Hundred Hispanic Women and Senior Vice President of the Empire State Development Corporation, spoke after Mr. Powell, endorsing the Foundation, and expressing how happy she was to be at the event. Ms. Remeneski also indicated that she is strong believer in the work that the Falu Foundation is doing.

There was a scholarship presentation made to the numerous youths that have worked with Falu Foundation over the years. The Falu Foundation then awarded the honorees for 2004—Bruce E. Bernsetin, President of the New York Software Industry Association (NYSIA); Dr. Antonia Pantoja; Congressman Charles Rangel; Dr. Maribel Santa Cruz; Dr. Antonio Ibarria, Founder of Save Latin America; Ada Rodriquez, Chief Marketing Officer for Health Plus; Blanca Perez, Senior Program Director in the Department of Community Relations at Mt. Sinai Hospital; Armando Talavera, Sports Announcer for Radio Univision and Phyllis White-Thorne, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Con Edison’s Headquarters in Manhattan.

The buffet dinner was delicious, and featured a nice selection of entrees and desserts. Everyone had the pleasure of listening to the operatic voice of Thelma Ilthier Sterling, Soprano, and Alfredo Colon, Singer, who closed the event with Frank Sinatra’s classic, “New York, New York.”

We at Liberty News Online Magazine would like to Rey Hollingsworth Falu, Staff Consultant and Dr. Georgina Falu, Founder and President of the Falu Foundation for inviting us to this great event. For more information about the Falu Foundation, please feel free to view their website at http://www.falufoundation.org/.

Abbey H. Muneer is the Executive Director of H.A.D. Organization of New York City, Inc., a world-famous athlete, author and, above all, a humanitarian. Abbey will write articles about charity events, benefits, fundraisers and galas which are raising money for humantiarian causes. If you are interested in having Abbey and one his staff members cover one of your charity events, benefits, fundraisers or galas, feel free to notify us one week in advance, at LNEvents@hadofnyc.org, or telephone us at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. and ask to speak to Abbey or Maria. If you would like more information, or would like to have Liberty News Online Magazine consult your next charitable event, please feel free to visit our website, at http://www.hadofnyc.org/store/success.html, email us at humanitarians@hadofnyc.org, or telephone our hotline, at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. (U.S.A.)