THE 40TH ANNUAL NYC POLICE FOUNDATION GALA
By: Monique Nolan, Maxine Nolan-Whylie Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie , Roland HydeThe exclusive Waldorf-Astoria Hotel lit up on Thursday evening, April 4, 2013, as members of the New York City Police Foundation came out to celebrate an evening of honor and tribute. Spring was felt throughout the ballroom as beautiful blooming hydrangeas in gold boxes adorned the tables.
For the 40th spectacular year, this glorious gala raised funds once again to strengthen the services of the New York City Police Department and improve public safety. The Foundation does much to assist the NYPD in their efforts to enhance counter terrorism measures, strengthen crime-fighting strategies and attract new talent to the force. Over the years, they have invested over $120 million in innovative programs such as The International Liaison Program, Real Time Crime Center, Gun Stop and Crime Stoppers. Through these selfless efforts, crime has come down to its lowest levels in over four decades.
As in years past, the event drew a huge crowd with over 700 attendees. One of the big sponsors of the gala is Bloomberg LP, parent of Bloomberg News.
It was definitely an evening of rejoicing and recognition. One of the main highlights of the evening was an energetic four song performance by popular musician and rocker Jon Bon Jovi who definitely enjoyed the limelight amongst a sea of friends. He was accompanied by the New York City Police Band.
Seen enjoying the festivities and socializing with the crowd were Chevy Chase, Michael Douglas, Jimmy Buffett, Regis Philbin, Steve Guttenberg, Christine Quinn, Penny Marshall and Kevin Jonas who were also very enthusiastic about supporting the cause for the ultimate goal of a safer New York City.
Honoree of the evening was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., Ron Perelman. Perelman is a key supporter of the NYC Police Foundation and has been for two decades. He was thrilled to be honored on this grand evening and eagerly slipped on the shiny black NYPD jacket with its big letters for the remainder of the night. This was a wonderful way to thank him for all he has done for the Foundation and it made his evening even more special.
More awards were presented over the course of the evening. NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly presented the Hemmerdinger Award for Excellence to Criminalist III Katharine Ferrante, Sergeant Herve Guiteau and auto mechanic, Norman Kara. Receiving the coveted Chuck Barris Foundation “Cop of the Year” Award was a police helicopter crew made up of Special Operations Division Detectives Fernando Almeida, Steve Browning, Chris Condon, Michael Sileo and William Stevens. These dedicated individuals rescued two West Point cadets from a dangerous ledge on Storm King Mountain.
At the end of the evening as the guests departed, it could be said that the goal had been ultimately achieved as almost $2.3 million was raised.
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