Jon R. Del Giorno, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Foster Parent Jean Harrington Honored
April 21, 2022 – (New York) — Seamen’s Society for Children and Families celebrated its 175thAnniversary at its gala on April 7, 2022, at Li Greci’s Staaten with a festive, red carpet-themed event. During the event, the organization presented its Safe Harbor Award to Jon R. Del Giorno and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The organization also presented its Joan Arnold Award to Foster Parent Jean Harrington. Entertainment at the gala included music, dancing, casino games, and prizes. The funds raised at the event will directly support the organization’s programs including foster care, prevention services, domestic/intimate partner violence services, and health home care management. The Gala Dinner Co-Chairs were Danielle Raleigh of Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor and Board Member Caroline Ferreri. Board Member Annette Angiuli was the Gala Journal Chair and is Chair of the organization’s Development Committee.
“This event is the culmination of our year-long 175th anniversary celebration,” said Seamen’s Society President and CEO David W. Gaskin. “Since our founding in 1846, the heart of our mission has been the well-being of the community’s most vulnerable children. Over time, that commitment expanded to encompass the strengthening and preservation of families, while ensuring children grow in safe environments. Today, we serve more than 1,250 children and 500-plus families, at any given time, through our various programs.”
The Seamen’s Society Safe Harbor Award is given to organizations and/or individuals who have significantly assisted the organization. The Joan Arnold Award is presented to foster parents who serve as a role model and have gone above and beyond in supporting the children in their care. This year’s honorees are:
- Jon R. Del Giorno received the Safe Harbor Award. Mr. Del Giorno is a Founding Partner of Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC and is the President of the Friends of Seamen’s Society’s Board of Trustees. He is a long-time supporter and advocate for Seamen’s Society.
- The Tunnel to Towers Foundation received the Safe Harbor Award. The organization has provided financial and in-kind support to Seamen’s Society, consistently, for the past 14 years.
- Jean Harrington received the Joan Arnold Award. As a foster parent, Ms. Harrington’s home was opened in May 2000. Over the past 22 years, she has opened her home to more than 45 children and adopted one child. She also is the President of the Foster and Adoptive Parent Association in Brooklyn.
“Our gala focused on celebrating and thanking the people and organizations that have, over many years, supported our mission, which is focused squarely on serving and uplifting the children and families entrusted, by the City of New York, to our care,” said Mr. Gaskin. “Mr. Del Giorno, Ms. Harrington, and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation have each contributed to our success and strong legacy of strengthening children and families, for which we will be forever grateful.”
Sponsors of the milestone event were:
Platinum Sponsors: USI Insurance Services and the International Union of Operating Engineers – Local 94.
Gold Star Sponsors: The Angiuli Group, BDO, Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Northfield Bank, and Wells Fargo Private Bank.
Silver Star Sponsors: Atlantic, Salt, Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor, Ira Goldstein and the Black Car Fund, Menicucci Villa Cilmi PLLC, and Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC.
Special 175th Anniversary Sponsors: Bank United and Mutual of America.
Bronze Star Sponsors: Capital Contracting, Plumbing & Heating, Caroline & Joseph Ferreri, John Minardo, Project One, Santander Bank, Staten Island Buick GMC, and UnitedHealthcare Oxford.
Contributions connected to the Gala can be made through the end of April at https://www.seamenssociety.org or by calling Seamen’s Society’s Development Office at 718-447-7740 x4269.
Photos from the event can be viewed here.