2011 Benefit Gala

This year’s Benefit Gala for the 2011 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) was a huge success! More than 630 people attended the event which was held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It was the sixth, and final, Gala event leading up to the 2011 WPFG. The Organizing Committee of the 2011 WPFG would like to thank all of those people who supported this year’s Gala. Special thanks go out to this year’s Gala Committee (see below) who put in many hours of hard work planning for this great event. Those in attendance were treated to a wonderful program.

The reception area featured exhibits from some of our partners, including a diverse number of silent auction items. SnapSports and SportPros provided a basketball free throw area for guests to test their skills on. Bronx Toys brought supersized displays of the 2011 WPFG mascots, Siren and PAL, which provided a great backdrop for photos. Fine Designs, the official merchandiser for the 2011 WPFG, had a wide variety of 2011 WPFG clothing available for attendees. Steiner Sports brought their usual array of sports memorabilia for the silent auction. The Tall Outstanding Women, a charitable organization made up of extraordinary women who stand 6’1” or taller, provided an added attraction as they sold 50/50 raffles.

Sukanya Krishnan and Lisa Mateo from the WPIX Morning News were co-hosts for the evening, and a special thanks to them for doing such a great job throughout the night. The NYPD & FDNY Pipes and Drums led the PAPD Honor Guard to present the colors at the opening of the program. Reigning Heart Records recording artist, Sariah, was on hand to sing the National Anthem. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, this year’s Gala Chair, made an appearance to say a few words on behalf of the 2011 WPFG.

At the end of the dinner portion of the evening, FDNY Firefighter and founder of the I WILL Foundation, Matt Long, gave a motivational speech talking about his comeback and plans to compete once again in the 2011 WPFG. His perseverance was an inspiration to everyone in the audience. Radio personality Ken Dashow, from Q-104.3, conducted the live auction. The live auction was an overwhelming success thanks to Ken’s presence and persistence.

Throughout the night presentations were made to our honorees for this year. Joe Brosi, CEO of the 2011 WPFG, presented Tara Chiarell of Allison & Partners with the Community Service Award for their work providing public relations support to the 2011 WPFG. Virginia Mewborn, VP of the 2011 WPFG, presented Kam Wong of the Municipal Credit Union with the Outstanding Corporate Service Award for their commitment to the 2011 WPFG. Port Authority Police Superintendent Michael Fedorko presented Dan Wollman of SnapSports and Tom Petersen of SportPros with the Gratitude Award for their help in providing flooring for the sports at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Jim Carney, President of the 2011 WPFG, presented Gerald McQueen of the Jacob Javits Convention Center with the Outstanding Corporate Service Award for his support in securing the Jacob Javits Convention Center as the focal point of the 2011 WPFG. NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly presented Bill Long of Bronx Toys with the Outstanding Corporate Support Award for having developed the mascots for the 2011 WPFG, PAL and Siren. FDNY Chief of Department Ed Kilduff presented Mark Sanchez, quarterback of the NY Jets, with the Outstanding Athlete Award for his outstanding accomplishments both on and off the football field. Ed Schauder, Corporate Counsel for the 2011 WPFG, presented Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show, with the Community Service Award for supporting police officers and firefighters. John Flaherty of the YES Network and former NY Yankee, who was unable to attend the Gala, was acknowledged for receiving the Gratitude Award for his role with the 2011 WPFG as host of the previous three Gala events. Thanks to all of our honorees for their ongoing support of the 2011 World Police & Fire Games.

There are only five months to the opening of the 2011 World Police & Fire Games. We would like to thank everyone for attending our 2011 Benefit Gala. It is only with your support that these Games will succeed. We look forward to seeing everyone in August!