05-01-08
#4
Mount Vernon
Police Foundation’s 2nd Annual Awards Gala a smash hit
The Mount
Vernon Police Foundation's 2nd Annual Awards Gala, held
on Tuesday, April 29, was a resounding success once
again. Like last year's inaugural gala, the event was
attend by nearly 300 guests and was held at the
luxurious Westchester Manor, located in
Hastings-on-Hudson.
Attending the gala this year were high profile
dignitaries like County Executive Andy Spano,
Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiori, and a long
list of others too long to list. The gathering of so
many important dignitaries is a true indication that the
group is being recognized in a big way for its many
positive accomplishments until now.
The goal of the relatively new nonprofit foundation is
to enhance the effectiveness of the Mount Vernon Police
Department by providing resources that are not covered
in the city budget, which allows police officers to be
more effective in doing their job.
Those in attendance were treated to an impressive
cocktail hour in which servers continually provided an
assortment of sumptuous hor derves to the delight of the
impressed guests. The open bar was manned by highly
trained bartenders who served top shelf liquor
throughout the entire event.
The master of ceremonies for the event was the ever
popular Gil Chimes, who was multitasking, since he
provided musical entertainment by playing the drums with
his band, and was also the Master of Ceremonies. He
addition, Chimes was the auctioneer during the live
auction.
The ceremony kicked off with a Police Color Guard
marching in with the colors and the recital of the
Pledge of Allegiance.
The Invocation was provided by the Police Chaplain, Dr.
Richard H. Dixon, followed by the introduction of the
many dignitaries in attendance by Chimes.
Chimes next introduced Linda Nigro, the Gala Committee
Chairperson, who welcomed the guests and thanked them
for supporting the foundation. She next introduced all
the Gala Committee members to the guests, which
included:
-
Anthony
Artuso, Jr.
-
Thomas
DeCaro
-
Gerry
Ryan
-
Michael
Timlin
-
Thomas
D'Auria
-
Brian
Keating
-
Kevin
Shevlin
-
Joseph
Torris, Jr.
Before ending her speech, Nigro introduced the
foundation's hierarchy, better known as Coordinators,
along with the Foundation's Directors.
The list of speakers was a long one and included August
M. Nigro, Mayor Clinton I. Young, Commissioner Reginald
Ward, Joseph Torrisi, Jr., Police Commissioner David
Chong and others.
Commissioner Chong stated: "I
cannot thank the dedicated men and women of the
Mount
Vernon Police Foundation
enough. These are individuals committed to this city and
to its Police Department. Their hard work and generosity
over the past two years is a labor of love. The
Foundation has enabled this Department to acquire assets
to help the officers serve the people of this city
better. I wish to thank each and everyone of the
Directors and our supporters and I look forward to our
continued partnership and success."
According to
Commissioner
Chong, the Mount Vernon Police Department has been the
recipient of the following Foundation items since the
beginning of this year:
-
$8,000
for two used cars for Narcotics Unit
-
$5,000
for Community Affairs & Outreach materials
-
$2,500
for Rifle lock boxes for Radio Cars
-
$12,000
for Portable Radios for Detectives & Narcotics Unit
The guests enjoyed the raffle immensely, and additional
funds were generated during the live auction.
Dinner was fantastic and consisted of a choice of:
Shell Steak Chateau, Chicken Mediterranean and Salmon en
Croute, followed by dessert.
The highlight of the evening involved the presentation
of awards to outstanding members of the Mount Vernon
Police Department.
Police Commissioner David Chong presented awards to the
following police personnel:
Community Service Award: Police Officer Alesander
Jarosz and Police Officer David Clark.
Rookie of the Year Award: Police Officer Michael
Plunkett.
Academic Achievement Award: Andrew H. Hastings, son of
Lt. Roy Hastings.
The event was a total success and enjoyed by the almost
300 that attended the gala. According to Foundation
officials, plans are already in place for the 2009 gala.
(l to r)
Dep. Commissioner Ward, Andy Spano, Commissioner Chong
and
Dr. W. Tony Sawyer.
The Gil Chimes Trio
Members of the Mount Vernon Police Foundation
(l to r) Linda Nigro, DA
Janet DiFiori, August Nigro, Mayor Young, Commissioner
Chong and Dep. Commissioner Ward.
Officer David Clark
(l) and Officer Alesander Jarosz receiving awards
Linda Nigro receiving an award for her exemplary work as
Gala Committee Chairperson
Andrew H. Hastings holding award he received
August
Nigro, President
Officer Michael Plunket being honored
Commissioner Chong displaying a
unique police action hero figure
that was made as a facsimile to his
days in the NYPD. The item sold for
charity during the live auction for
$500.00
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