HeartShare's Gala Raised $720,000

Brooklyn, NY, April 15, 2012 --(PR.com)-- It was a night of recognition, appreciation, laughter and tears, and, most importantly, generosity that helped to raise more than $720,000 for HeartShare Human Services of New York. HeartShare’s annual Spring Gala and Auction honored four outstanding members of the community: Gerard McGraw, President of Fidelity Institutional, Kenneth D. Daly, President of National Grid New York, Anthony Marcelli, Co-owner of Classie Sounds, Inc., and Tony Danza, actor, producer, singer, author and teacher.

In addition to the honorees, guests were moved by the touching words of Jose and Anne Padilla, a wonderful couple who opened their home to 15 foster children through the years, leading to the permanent adoption of three boys, Christian, Naiheem and Jose. “We didn’t care about color, race, creed, or nationality. We just wanted a family,” Mr. Padilla shared with the 1,000 guests. “We now have three children permanently in our home. It is a dream come true.”

“I am so grateful to everyone who supported our Gala in anyway, through sponsorships, tickets, journal ads, or the silent auction, both donating to and bidding on items,” said HeartShare President and CEO William R. Guarinello. “I also want to acknowledge all the volunteers who gave of their time to help HeartShare.”

Through the silent auction, guests were bidding on items such as a vacation package to Orlando, FL, Judith Ripka jewelry, an Eric Clapton autographed guitar, a Beatles autographed record, VIP tickets to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, an iPad 2, a Kindle Fire, restaurant gift certificates, NY Yankees tickets, and much more. Adding to the excitement of the evening was the live auction of a Celebrity Dinner with Linda Dano and Nino Russo of Gargiulo’s Restaurant. Guests bid $5,000 per couple to have dinner with HeartShare Board Member and Emmy-winner Linda Dano, and HeartShare’s celebrity friends, including honoree Tony Danza.

Mr. Guarinello continued, “This support from the community means so much to 20,000 children and adults we help every day. I truly thank you.”

Celebrating its 98th year, HeartShare is a nonprofit organization that assists 20,000 New Yorkers. Its wide array of services assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities through numerous programs including education services, adult day programs, residential services, case management, recreation programs, family support services, and health services. It also provides counseling, after-school programs and foster care and adoption services to children and families, supports people affected by HIV/AIDS, and administers low-income energy assistance programs. HeartShare is proud that 90% of all revenue goes directly to its programs and services. HeartShare is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children and is a BBB Accredited Charity. For more information, visit www.heartshare.org and find HeartShare on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.