On September 26th, the New York Marriot Marquis came alive as more than 350 members of New York’s philanthropic, business, government and civic communities gathered to honor three remarkable New Yorkers for their unparalleled leadership in the aftermath of September 11th and their continued commitment to all those affected by the tragedy at our fifth annual Toast to New York benefit. 

Emceed by WFAN Radio Personality Mike Francesa, the evening paid tribute to Katie Couric - Anchor and Managing Editor of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric; Larry Levy - Founder and Chairman of the America’s Camp Foundation; and Patrick Ryan - Founder and Executive Chairman of AON Corporation.

Tuesday’s Children Board Chairman Jonathan S. Barnett and organization President Carmine Calzonetti were on hand to present the 2007 Tuesday’s Children Leadership Awards to Messrs. Levy and Ryan. 

Ms. Couric, who was unable to attend due to work obligations, graciously accepted her Leadership Award via videoconference and said, “I am so impressed with the work that Tuesday’s Children has done for all the families, especially the children.  Countless lives have been changed because of the programs you offer.  I am honored to be a part of this very special evening.”

Addressing the members of the audience Mr. Calzonetti “Every year we come together to reconfirm our commitment to the families of 9/11, and our resolve that they will never walk alone.  Year after year, with the generous support of donors and partners, Tuesday’s Children continues to meet the ever-changing needs of our families. 

“On behalf of Tuesday’s Children and the families and ground zero rescue and recovery workers we serve, please accept our deepest gratitude.” Calzonetti told the crowd.

The event raised over $200,000 that will support Tuesday’s Children’s wide range of services and programs for 9/11 family members and rescue and recovery workers.  Programs include including Next Steps, Career Paths, Mentoring, First Steps in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and Washington, D.C., Tuesday’s Champions and Project Common Bond.

Tuesday’s Children thanked everyone who made this event a resounding success including the event sponsors: AON Corporation, Arch Insurance Group, Armani Exchange, Brendan & Rose Lavelle, Donald Farley, Dr. Daniel Libby, Giuliani Partners LLC, John & Pat Brown, JP Morgan Chase, Kirk Donaldson, Laura Walker, Marie Anaya, Michael Kors, NYSE Euronext, Patti Coughlin, Real Simple, Richard and Terry Sears, Sloan Securities, Stacey Farrelly, Steven A. and Alexandra M. Cohen Foundation, The Coleman Group of Citi Smith Barney, TPG Capital LP., Union Square Partners, WE tv, Yorkville Advisors, Ace USA, Zurich, and American International Group, Inc.

One of our family members and her two guests enjoy dinner

and drinks

Donald Farley, Carmine Calzonetti (TC President)    Kathleen McCarthy, Terry Sears (Executive Director)

Jonathan Barnett (Chairman), and board member   our emcee Mike Francesa, Carmine Calzonetti

Nathan Troutman smile at the reception.                 (President), Amy Wright, and board members

                                                                                 Patrick Grace and Bert McCooey

Tuesday's Children's President, Carmine Calzonetti, and

Chairman, Jonathan Barnett, introducing the honorees

             2007 Honorees Larry Levy and Patrick Ryan accepting their Leadership Awards

One of our guests bidding on the silent auction items

Scott Waldman and his co-workers from Mercantile  The Events team and one of our live auction

Exchange enjoyed the evening                                 winners, Vito Laurenzano

Three of our family members pose with our emcee Mike Francesa