| | New York, New York: It’s Most Definitely a Wonderful Town
October 25, 2007
Milestones to a Cure Campaign chair Joe O' Donnell presents this years award to honorees Kate and
Bob Niehaus. |
There’s no question. Tops in city sights, high culture, and just plain pizzazz, New York also knows how to be generous. On October 17, the Greater New York Chapter’s Breath of Life Gala raised more than $2.5 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
More than 500 special guests gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street for an unprecedented evening of fine dining, good cheer and fund-raising to support the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. Underneath the sixty-five foot ceilings and glittering chandeliers, the crowd enjoyed the gracious surroundings of the Italian renaissance building that is known as a national landmark.
Emcee Scott Pelley from TV’s 60 minutes welcomed guests and invited heartfelt toasts on behalf of longtime CF Foundation volunteers. Special tribute was paid to the night’s honorees Kate and Bob Niehaus, who have served the CF Foundation through their volunteer work and their leadership on the Milestones to a Cure Executive Committee. CF Mom Amy Barry, sister of Kate Niehaus and member of the national Board of Trustees, united the audience with an uplifting Bid for a Cure speech in which she thanked the crowd…”especially those without a direct connection to cystic fibrosis.” She noted, “There is nothing noble about trying to save your own kid, but those who help save other peoples’ children are remarkable. This isn’t your fight, but you fight right alongside us. You are the true heroes.” Guests donated an unprecedented $600,000 through the Bid for a Cure to support research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.
One of the evening’s highlights was getting to see (and hear!) Hugh Hildesley from Sotheby’s lead the auction. He deftly ignited a fierce bidding war for a much-coveted item--the chance to play golf with New York Yankees pitching great Roger Clemens.
Gala co-chair Timothy M. George noted, “The reason for the tremendous success of the Breath of Life Gala is that we have a very compelling cause and an extremely passionate group of supporters. The spirit of compassion was absolutely palpable in the room the entire evening.”
Support was instrumental from co-chairs Jeffrey Altman, Cosby and Timothy George, Virginia and Thomas Hughes, Joseph J. O’ Donnell, Donna and Rob Shafir, and Amy and John Weinberg.
Special thanks go to corporate sponsors Boston Culinary Group; One Equity Partners; Centerbridge Partners, L.P.; Credit Suisse Group; Greenhill & Company, L.L.C.; Turner Construction Company; Elm Street Capital Partners; American Express; Owl Creek Asset Management; and Oak Hill Capital Management.
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