Boys Town New York Supporters Gather in Benefit of Youth November 12, 2009

More than 250 Boys Town New York supporters gathered in lower Manhattan to celebrate amazing stories of hope and healing, and to recognize three outstanding New Yorkers at the Building Hope Gala November 12.

As the Champian Fulton Quintet set the mood, guests took their seats and an evening filled with music, dinner, and dancing began with a warm welcome from New York Board Chair, Robert Rigby-Hall. After dinner came the presentations of three very special awards to honorees who exemplify Boys Town’s mission of saving children and healing families through their accomplishments both in the community and worldwide.

Kenneth Fisher, Partner, Fisher Brothers, received the Corporate Philanthropy Award; Peter M. Meyer, Market President New York, TD Bank, received the Corporate Citizen Award; and Nancy Rivard, President and Founder of Airline Ambassadors, received the Spirit of Youth Award.

The highlight of the evening came when two Boys Town youth, Shady and Priscilla, came to the podium to deliver their moving personal stories. “I want to give my sincerest thanks to all the staff that worked with me, and to all employees and donors that give both their time and support to this organization to build hope in young men like me,” shared Shady.

“They really did an amazing job,” said Karen Brady, Boy Town New York Development Director. “It was a very emotional moment as they shared some tough experiences from their past. They were nervous, but the crowd gave them so much support and rose to their feet more than once with a thunderous round of applause.”

Proceeds raised from the Building Hope Gala will directly increase the number of children and families who receive life-changing services from Boys Town in New York City. “We want other youth, like Shady and Priscilla, to have an opportunity to create their own success stories,” said Cindy Armijo, Boys Town New York Executive Director. “The evening was very special because our extended family of friends and donors joined us to celebrate the mission of Boys Town New York. With their support we will continue to build a future for kids for many years to come.”