St. Dominic’s Awards Dinner

Jan 18, 2005

Waldorf Astoria, NY

Not to many philanthropic organizations can say that they’ve been helping people for over a century and a quarter. The St. Dominic’s Home can. This festive gala commemorated St. Domonic’s 127 years of service to the underprivileged youth community. Chaired by Structure Tone, Inc., Partner John White, and emceed by Fox 5 News Anchor Rosanna Scotto, the event presented to everyone an overview of what can be accomplished when people gather and work together, focused on one cause.

From 1878 until 2005, the St. Dominic’s Home has seen thousands of underprivileged children pass through its doors. The organization, which started as a struggling home for immigrant children on Manhattan’s Lower East Side years ago, today, works with a budget of over $30 Million, and a staff of over 800.

The first honoree for the event was Gary LaBarbara, President of Local 282, the Int’l Brotherhood of Teamsters, who oversees over 4,000 truck drivers, spoke a bit about his background and how he has worked with the organization to make the world a better place for our youths. He has worked with the Boy Scouts of America as well as other charities and philanthropic organizations.

The second honoree was Howard Hirsch, President of Forest Electric Corp, who was beautifully introduced by his two sons, who indicated that if they could achieve one quarter of what their father has achieved in life, would consider themselves as successful. Mr. Hirsch, who was, initially, speechless, spoke about his background, which included member of the National Board of Directors for the Development Corp., for Israel/State of Israel Bonds, serving on the Executive Board of the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, and Board of Directors member for Project ALS. He also works very actively for the United Jewish Appeal, American ORT Foundation, and the March of Dimes.

The event raised $918,000, and people were told that the total money raised could reach $1 million of everyone at the event were to donate $100. There was a beautiful slide presentation of pictures that were taken over the years at the St. Domonic’s Home. It was very touching.

This was great event. At the end of the gala, everyone was invited to the Astor Ballroom, to share Irish coffee and further enjoy themselves.

We at Liberty News Online would like to thank Ms. Mary Jane Fales for her kind invitation to cover this event. If anyone would like more information about this wonderful organization, they may visit their website at http://www.stdominicshome.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.)