NEW YORK, NY, October 12, 2011 - The Children's Aid Society (CAS) raised $1.2 million to aid New York City's most vulnerable children at their Inaugural Keeping the Promise gala. CAS honored BNY Mellon, Robert Wolf, Chairman of UBS Americas and President of UBS Investment Bank, and volunteer Ann Sather for their support of programs benefiting needy kids. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, Ron Suskind served as Master of Ceremonies for the event at the Waldorf-Astoria.
The Keeping the Promise gala celebrated CAS's 158-year commitment to improving the lives of New York's neediest children through medical, educational and recreational programming, while showcasing the work of corporate and community leaders who have served as role models by upholding the CAS promise through their meaningful contributions and volunteer work.
"Raising over $1 million in the current economic climate is an incredible success and a testament to awareness of the worsening situation," said CAS President and CEO Richard Buery. "We are thrilled to honor BNY Mellon, Robert Wolf, Ann Sather and all of our attendees who realize that New York City kids in need are at record numbers and only through holistic and sustained support will we ensure they are not part of a lifetime of poverty."
"Children's Aid Society focuses on the most helpless of all children in the City," said Chairman of UBS Americas and President of UBS Investment Bank Robert Wolf. "Their commitment to keeping the promise to forgotten children ensures that we will not lose an entire generation of future Americans."
Notable guests also attending included Tony Award Winner Patti LuPone; "Law and Order SVU" star, Tamara Tunie; Director, Screenwriter and Actress, Rebecca Miller; Author Harlan Corben.
BNY Mellon was presented with the Corporate Leadership Award for its long-time support of many CAS programs and events such as the Next Generation Center, focused on at-risk youth; Financial Literacy, Family Wellness; and the Miracle on Madison Avenue event in which BNY Mellon employees volunteer to raise awareness and funds for CAS. BNY Mellon, a global financial services company operating in 36 countries, has partnered with CAS for more than 150 years. Accepting the award on behalf of BNY Mellon will be Doris Meister, President - US Markets for BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Robert Wolf, Chairman of UBS Americas and President of UBS Investment Bank, received the Promise Award for his commitment to the CAS mission of helping children living in poverty succeed and thrive. Wolf has served as a member of CAS's Board of Trustees since 2002 and sits on the Board of several other nonprofit organizations. In addition, he is a member of President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness and prior to that served on the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board. UBS Americas is a Swiss global financial services company, which provides investment banking, asset management, and wealth management services for private, corporate, and institutional clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland.
Ann Sather was presented with the Volunteer Award for her longtime service to The Children's Aid Society. She has lent her time to many endeavors, including weekly readings to the children at the Taft Day Care Center, a Children's Aid Society Early Childhood program in Harlem. Ann also actively works with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit charity that works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden, including the New York Rangers, Knicks, Liberty, MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and Fuse "to make dreams come true for kids facing obstacles."
For more information, visit www.childrensaidsociety.org/gala.
The Children's Aid Society is an independent, not-for-profit organization established to serve the children of New York City. Our mission is to help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive supports to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation's largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York's neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics and camps. For additional information, please call Anthony Ramos at (212) 949-4938/ (917) 204-8214, email anthonyr@childrensaidsociety.org or visit www.childrensaidsociety.org.
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