HeartShare Human Services raises over $600,000 at Spring Gala

HeartShare Human Services of New York tugged at the heartstrings on Wednesday, March 23 as the organization celebrated its 2016 Spring Gala and Auction – and raised over $600,000 – at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Over 1,100 guests attended the soirée, which serves as HeartShare’s premiere fundraising event each year.

The evening’s honorees included Abigail Hawk, who plays Detective Abigail Baker on CBS’ “Blue Bloods;” Richard Cea, Esq. of Wingate, Kearney & Cullen, LLP (recipient of the Monsignor Hagerty Humanitarian Award); Philip Kelly of El Caribe Country Club (recipient of the George A. Cincotta Community Service Award) and Dominick Cama of Investors Bank (recipient of the HeartShare Genie Foundation Award), all of whom were honored for their avid support of HeartShare, and for their involvement within their communities.

“I want to take this moment to reflect on the generosity of time, talent and selflessness to be a human being giving to those with special needs and elevating people in crisis,” said Hawk upon accepting the Linda Dano Heart Award. “To me, this is New York. This is the world that HeartShare has helped create.”

Board Member and anchor Rosanna Scotto, alongside her Fox News team, traffic reporter Ines Rosales and meteorologist Mike Woods, also presented HeartShare President and CEO Bill Guarinello with an award recognizing his 45 years of service to the agency.

“This is really special for Rosanna Scotto and her team to be here to recognize me tonight. No matter how much of a celebrity she’s become, she hasn’t forgotten her roots,” said Guarinello who credited HeartShare’s 2,400 employees with the agency’s success. “Our goal to offer quality services to New York children, adults and families would not be possible without our dedicated staff.”

Celebrity guests included cast members from the hit Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” Emmy Award-winning actress Linda Dano, actress Barbara Feldon, actor Danny Aiello and more.

Jamie Lynn Macchia, Miss New York 2015, assisted in presenting the evening’s awards.

HeartShare Human Services of New York serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as children and families in need of foster care and adoption services.