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Thurman Munson Awards Dinner
Benefiting the AHRS Foundation
Feb 1, 2005
Marriott Marquis, New York, NY
 AHRC provides a helping hand to our more than 3,000 individuals who benefit from the many programs and services it offers. In the late 1940's there was no place outside of a state institution for people with mental retardation. A small group of parents, led by Helen Kaplan, banded together to change that and AHRC's first programs began. They dedicated their life to establishing community-based programs offering opportunities for achievement and acceptance to people who, for the most part, had been routinely relegated to institutions or hidden away at home. It was this determined group that formed the beginning of AHRC--the organization that has grown throughout Nassau County to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. This year, the 25th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, as in the past, has been dedicated to helping to raise funds for the AHRC. Honored this year were Former New York Yankee Bobby Murcer, nine-time NYC marathon winner Grete Waitz, Olympic Gold Medallist Paul Hamm, Olympic Gold Medallist Carly Patterson, Former New York Knick Mark Jackson, New York Met Mike Cameron, and New York Yankee Gary Sheffield.The evening started out with a wonderful cocktail reception, and continued with a beautiful gala. The Master of Ceremonies, Len Berman, Sportscaster for NBC-TV, opened the gala, greeting everyone warmly. After Mr. Berman spoke, AHRC New York City Foundation Board Member Peter D. Noris, CFA, spoke, further greeting everyone and updating the audience in regard to what is happening within AHRC.After the greeting, everyone enjoyed dinner, and the awards were then presented. The Corporate Award went to Lawrence Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ivy Asset Management Corp., after which the Thurman Munson Awards were distributed to Grete Waitz for her outstanding running sports achievements. Grete got up and spoke about how, from initially being “talked into” running the marathon by her husband, she eventually embraced this athletic sport to the point of winning nine marathons. Following Ms. Waitz’s award, Mark Jackson, Former New York Knick, got up and spoke briefly about the great work that Diana Munson is doing for the AHRC organization. Olympic gold medallist Carly Patterson was the next honoree, who thanked her mother, coaches, and anyone else who helped her achieve her Olympic dreams. The next award was presented to Olympic gold medal gymnast Paul Hamm, who spoke about some of the challenges he faced pursuing the Olympic gold. New York Met Mike Cameron and New York Yankee Gary Sheffield were also honored with a Thurman Munson Award, each, again speaking of the wonderful work which Diana Munson had done in continuing the legacy left by her late husband, Thurman Munson. Diana has been involved in the dinner since its inception 25 years ago. As everyone saw from the video that was presented, the Association for the Help of Retarded Children is a not-for-profit organization with many programs that enable people with developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives.Thurman Lee Munson was born in Akron, Ohio on June 7, 1947. He was a star football, basketball, and baseball player while attending Lehman High School and earned scholarships to various colleges. He attended Kent State University and earned All-America Honors. In the summers after '67, Thurman attended the Cape Cod League and played for Chatham. Yankees scout Harry Hesse took notice of Munson and during Munson's Senior year at Kent State, Gene Woodling began to watch him regularly and insisted that the Yankees sign him. In June of '68, Munson was the New York Yankees' Number One pick in the amateur Free Agent Draft and he received a $75,000 bonus. Munson played with Binghamton Triplets in the Eastern League for $500 a month and Syracuse during his short minor league career of 99 games. The Yankees called him up during the '69 season. Munson played so well during '69 season that he won the job of starting catcher in spring training.
This was a great event. We would like to personally thank Mr. John Cirillo, from Sports and Entertainment Public Relations Management, for his kind invitation, and for doing an outstanding job in professionally handling this event. Anyone interested in learning more about this great organization may visit their website at www.ahrc.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.) |
