Hale House 35th Anniversary Gala

June 2, 2004

Pier Sixty, NY, NY

Clara McBride, a.k.a. “Mother Hale”, if likened unto anyone, could probably be best compared with Mother Theresa. This woman is an extraordinary example of someone who understands the meaning of “sacrifice.” In 1972, Mother Hale incorporated an organization known as Hale House, a place where children victimized by their parent’s drug addiction and/or incarceration can be cared for with plenty of love and affection, along with the essentials of healthcare and nutrition.Of the many wonderful things that can be attributed to Mother Hale and her organization, Hale House, that which stands out the most is the love which she has bestowed on the many, many young children that have come through her doors. She has literally been the deciding factor in these kids growing up with an understanding (from experience) of what true love is all about. In a way, Mother Hale can also be thought of as a “crime reducer”, since many crimes originate from people who, as children, where never given the love and affection they desperately needed, and consequently, grow up with hate of others in their hearts, rather than the love which belongs there. Many of the children whom Mother Hale has cared for (and for whom Hale House continues to care for) are infected with H.I.V. because of their birth mothers’ drug habits.The purpose of this gala was to reward those who have exemplified the same love which Mother Hale has over the course of her life, which sadly ended in 1992. Her legacy, however, is an entirely different story—it lives on, and on, and on, and on… The first honoree, and recipient of the Spirit of Mother Hale Award, was Jannie White, an eighteen-year veteran of the Hale House, and the other honorees, and recipients of the Mother Hale Award for Caring, were M.L. Carr, Dominic M. Freud, the Honorable Rudolph Giuliani, and Star Jones.The program began with a warm welcome by Mr. David Ushery, Anchor Reporter for NBC, Channel 4, who was the emcee for the night. After jokingly telling the audience that Hale House decided to hold their annual gala at Pier Sixty in lieu of the unaffordable Harlem prices, he immediately got down to business and informed everyone why they were there—to honor those who’s extraordinary devotions have made a significant impact on the lives of many, many, children who otherwise would have had a future that would be grim at best. Zachary Carter, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Hale House, gave additional remarks reinforcing Mr. Ushery’s opening message.We then heard a most beautiful (and I do mean beautiful) choir performance by none other than the Harlem School of the Arts Choir—how beautifully the sopranos, altos, tenors and baritones coordinated their voices to produce two very lovely pieces of musical art, “Allelujah” and “Let Them Go”.After the choir, there was a special guest appearance by famed actor Ossie Davis, and writer Ruby Dee (husband and wife). Ossie made some very distinct comments as to the beauty Mother Hale saw in these young children, many of whom were infants. Many of these children were very cranky and irritable because of the circumstances into which they were born—they tended to cry often. Mother Hale would hold these children in front of a mirror, in order for them to see their beauty, and start building their self esteem—that they would not have a reason to cry. Jokingly, Ossie told the audience that he decided to try looking in the mirror himself whenever he felt cranky.Dr. Kenneth Hale, the son of Mother Hale, then got up told everyone about the impact that she has made on the many, many young children that came through his mother’s doors, commenting on how proud he was to be her son and to continue her wonderful legacy.Jannie White, the first honoree, then came up to the stage to receive her award, and from the way she spoke, one could tell that she, in fact, was continuing the spirit of Mother Hale. The emotion was intense as Ms. White spoke about the extraordinary commitment and self sacrifice that goes into a typical day at the Hale House. We at Liberty News Online wish Ms. White all the best in her continuing Mother Hale’s love-rich legacy for many years to come.After Ms. White, M.L. Carr came up to receive the first of the Mother Hale Awards for Caring. Known for his extraordinary basketball talents as a Boston Celtics player, Mr. Carr is equally known as a community leader and humanitarian, and has been the recipient of numerous charitable awards, from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Image Award, the Toastmaster’s Communication Award, Camille Cosby’s Citizenship Award, and the Good Scout Award. He’s served on numerous boards, including the YMCA Advisory Board and an assortment of college boards. He is well known for his philanthropic organization “WARM2KIDS” (WARM--We’re All Role Models.)The next honoree was Dominic M. Freud, the Chairman of the development committee, the investment sub-committee, the finance committee, legal committee and program committee. Mr. Freud has been involved with the Hale House for over a decade, and has been a key player in Hale House’s fundraising activities, raising substantial funds for its programs and services. Mr. Freud’s unwavering care and dedication and involvement has been a crucial part of both Hale House’s history and success.Next up, after Mr. Freud, came none other than the Honorable Rudolph Giuliani, former Mayor for NYC. Everyone knows the kind of leadership and dedication former NYC Mayor Mr. Giuliani has demonstrated during the time of the September 11th tragedy, but there’s more to Mr. Giuliani than meets the eye. His numerous, equally impressive credentials, would take an entire article alone to list. From the comments he made while on stage, he is even accredited for the Yankees winning the World Series a few times. Mr. Giuliani has dedicated over a solid decade to the children of the Hale House, visiting them faithfully every year on Christmas, bringing them toys and gifts. His comments, upon receiving his award, were that he didn’t believe he needed to receive an award, because he’s already experienced the blessing of giving of oneself to help others who are in need. That, along, according to Mr. Giuliani, is enough to justify his past and present dedication to Hale House. Incidentally, Mr. Giuliani has also done a great job as Mayor, of the City of New York (although certain Sharptongued folks may not exactly be inclined to agree.)Mr. Randolph McLaughlin then gave more remarks regarding Hale House, stressing the intimacy of the relationships between the caregivers and the children. In one comment he made, there is but one television in the entire facility—in case a family visiting wants to view a video. His comment was that Hale House does not need televisions around, because the children there learn via interaction with the caregivers.The final honoree for the night was Star Jones, co-host of the Emmy award winning television show, “The View”, and a national spokesperson for Payless ShoeSource. Ms. Jones’ television background, is as equally voluminous as is Rudy Giuliani’s political and leadership background. She served in every capacity from talk show co-host to special guest to senior correspondent to community advocate. Ms. Jones is heavily involved in philanthropics. Even more touching was that her award was presented to her by her fiancé, who, from what Ms. Jones said on stage—that it is wonderful that the man of the household can recognize that it is a blessing for one to devote themselves toward a better community.After Ms. Jones was honored, there was a performance by Broadway actor and singer Melba Moore, which the audience enjoyed. This was a great event, and equally important, this was a meaningful event—one in which people who really understand the meaning of sacrifice and are willing to go the extra mile (as they’ve already proven) were given recognition for their accomplishments.

Mother Hale, in our opinion, belongs in the same group as Dr. Martin Luther King, Ghandi and Mother Theresa for her many years relentless work and dedication as a humanitarian. Who knows how many hundreds (minimum) of children who, had it not been for the love shown them by Hale House, would have ended up in the streets or in foster homes with minimal social interaction—some, possibly, getting trouble with the law. Hence, one of the many blessings of the Hale House, is that it can prevent kids from ending up in the jail house.
We at Liberty News Online Magazine would like to thank Ms. Sarah Murphy from the Lorelei Events Planning Company, Mr. Kevin A. Mercuri from the Five West Public Relations Company, Mr. Zachary Carter, Esq, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hale House Chairman, for contributing their assistance in our coverage and this article. Anyone who would like more information about the Hale House, or would like to make a contribution of any kind, may visit the organization’s website, http://www.halehouse.org

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