$100,000 Raised for HeartShare's Children's Programs

(Brooklyn, NY)— For the 18th year, HeartShare Human Services of New York hosted its annual Tree Festival to raise funds for children in its foster care and adoption programs and those with developmental disabilities, including the soon-to-open school-age program for children with autism. Held at the El Caribe Country Club in Mill Basin, Brooklyn, hundreds of guests turned out for the worthy and festive occasion and helped to raise over $100,000.

Sopranos star Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts) and daytime emmy-winner Linda Dano lent their support to this exciting event. During the evening, fully decorated Christmas trees were auctioned off to the highest bidder in exciting back-and-forth exchanges. Teddy bears dressed by today’s top designers (Victoria’s Secret Direct, Kleinfeld, and Christos) and ornaments signed by the hottest celebrities including the casts of The Sopranos and Criminal Minds, Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, Kirk Douglas, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, Beyonce Knowles, Muhammad Ali, and many others were bid on through a silent auction.

During the evening, program participants from HeartShare’s Queen Day Habilitation Program sang holiday favorites. The Queens program is one of seven programs for adults with developmental disabilities operated by HeartShare.

“On behalf of HeartShare, and the kids we serve, I am grateful to our major sponsors, KeySpan, Morgan Stanley, El Caribe Country Club, and many others who helped make this event such a success,” noted HeartShare President and CEO William R. Guarinello. “We also couldn’t do this without the many generous volunteers who give their time to decorate all the trees. This event is a fun and exciting way to share the holiday spirit.”

Celebrating its 92nd year, HeartShare is a not-for-profit organization that assists more than 17,000 New Yorkers. Its wide spectrum of services helps individuals with developmental disabilities, supports people affected by HIV/AIDS, provides counseling and after-school programs and assistance with foster care and adoption to children and families, and administers energy assistance programs.
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