Citizen’s Committee for New York City
2007 “New Yorker for New York City” Awards Gala
At Waldorf Astoria Hotel NY NY
February 5th, 2007

The Citizen’s Committee for New York City honored nine “Passionate Champions” at its “New Yorker for New York City” Gala on , February 5, 2007. The Citizen’s Committee for New York, which has existed for more than 30 years, is a nonprofit organization is helping to build stronger neighborhoods in every part of the City.

The black-tie gala which raised more than $1 million, was held at the world renowned Waldorf Astoria, one of New York City’s most beloved hotels, that is still the embodiment of luxury and splendor. Within the walls of this environment of eminent elegance, the evening began with a warm welcome from Henry Cornell, Chairman of the committee and Peter H. Kostmayer, the organization’s president who presided over the event. For the pleasure of those who attended the event consisted of a cocktail reception, a silent auction, dinner, and the awards presentation. There was soft music for dancing and most impressive, a refined smooth jazz soloist performance by Wynton Marsalis

Andre De Shields presented the Elizabeth Chapin Award for Volunteers in the Arts to Martina Arroyo, international opera star, for her work and dedication to the study and preparation of complete operatic roles for emerging young artists. Jonathan Capehart, former Senior Vice President of Hill & Knowlton, Inc. and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist formerly with the Daily News, was presented with the Jacob Javits Young Philanthropist Award.

Pete Hamill, novelist, essayist and journalist and the recipient of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Award for Lifetime Public Service for his 40-year career as a journalist whose works spoke eloquently about New York City neighborhoods, accepted his award from Osborn Elliott. Mayor David Dinkins presented the New Yorker for New York Award to Karen and Dr. Irwin Redlender, for going “above and beyond” when, along with singer-songwriter Paul Simon, they co-founded The Children’s Health Fund which provides health care in 21 of the nation’s most medically underserved communities. Lisa Schiff, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Jazz at Lincoln Center, was honored with the Brooke Russell Astor Award for Philanthropy for her “countless hours and tireless energy” devoted to music and her community, by Wynton Marsalis. For their legal advocacy, community based education and organizing efforts to reduce poverty and provide economic security, Nabila and Ahsanullah ”Bobby” Kahn of the Coney Island Project, were presented the Osborn Elliott Community Leadership Award.

Also being honored that night was Latonia Shakira Edwards, a senior at Dewitt Clinton High School, Bronx, NY, who was the first recipient of the newly created Cornell Family Scholarship, for her essay on preventing teen pregnancy. The four runner-ups in this contest were also recognized. One of the highlights of the evening was the much deserved tribute paid to Wesley Autrey, Sr. when he was invited and recognized as a special guest for his heroics in saving a life in a New York City subway station. Mr. Autrey, with his family by his side, humbly thanked the audience adding that he was just one New Yorker helping another New Yorker.

The other guests in attendance were, Tippy Gore, wife of Former Vice President Al Gore, as well as former New Jersey Governor James McGreevey.

For more information about the Citizens Committee for New York City, feel free to view their website @ www.citizensny.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.)