Gala Raises $700,000 for HeartShare

(Brooklyn, NY)—At its Annual Spring Gala and Auction, HeartShare Human Services Celebrated the Birth of a School by raising nearly $700,000 for its programs. Celebrating the Birth of a School recognizes the opening of The HeartShare School in Brooklyn that focuses on children with autism and spectrum disorders.

Honorees for the evening were: actress and writer Barbara Feldon, Craig A. Eaton, Esq., founding partner for Eaton & Torrenzano LLP and former chairman of Community Board #10 in Brooklyn, and Nino Russo, proprietor of Garigiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island.

“This was a wonderful evening,” said HeartShare President and CEO William R. Guarinello. “In addition to our wonderful honorees, we were all touched by the loving comments from the parents of those we serve. It was very meaningful to hear from them that we are making a difference in their loved ones’ lives.”

Oscar nominee and singer Danny Aiello, Oscar nominee Cathy Moriarity (Raging Bull, Soap Dish, Analyze That), Emmy-winner Linda Dano, Jim Kerr (Q 104 Morning Show and HeartShare Board member), actor Keith Nobbs (The Black Donnellys), actress Lora Chio (Law & Order and the upcoming film American Standard), the Fox 5 News family Ron Corning, Nick Gregory and Vanessa Alfano, Andrea Beaman (Top Chef) and actress Denise Vasi were all on hand to celebrate.

Nearly 1,000 guests had the opportunity to bid on an array of 350 silent auction items. Whether looking for tickets to a Staten Island Yankees or Brooklyn Cyclones game, tickets to Carnagie Hall, dinner for two at Mohegan Sun, a getaway package to Hilton Head, South Carolina, jewelry, a day at a spa, or memorabilia signed by your favorite celebrity, there was something for everyone.

HeartShare is grateful to all who supported the Gala and helped to make the evening a success.

Celebrating its 93rd year, HeartShare is a nonprofit organization that assists more than 17,000 New Yorkers. Its wide spectrum of services provides counseling, after-school programs and assistance with foster care and adoption to children and families, supports people affected by HIV/AIDS, and administers energy assistance programs. It also helps individuals with developmental disabilities through numerous programs including childhood services, adult day programs, residential services, case management, recreation programs, family support services, and health services.

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