April 18, 2017
The 19th Annual Johnny’s Angel Awards Dinner, honoring distinguished people who help in the organization’s mission to alleviate hunger and fight poverty, raised a record $360,000 on April 11 at St. John’s University’s D’Angelo Center. All proceeds for the dinner directly support Bread and Life’s mission of feeding the minds, bodies, and spirits of the least advantaged in Brooklyn and Queens.
Bread and Life annually honors deserving individuals who have given of their time, effort and extraordinary support for this great cause. This year’s award recipients include:
• Denis P. Kelleher, Attorney at Law, Clayman & Rosenberg LLP
(Johnny’s Angel Award – accepting on behalf of the Denis and Carol Kelleher Family)
• Kevin Reed, Chair, Board of Advisors, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, St. John’s University
(Dr. Pamela Shea Byrnes Award)
• Hon. Joseph Bellacosa, retired New York State Court of Appeals Judge
(Director Emeritus Award)
• Carmen Hernandez, Media Room Assistant, St. John’s Bread and Life.
(Sr. Bernadette Szymczak, D.C. Award)
“I’d like to commend Tony Butler, Executive Director of Bread and Life, for his leadership and commitment to ensure that St. John’s Bread and Life remains a steadfast anchor for every man, woman and child who enter through its doors,” said Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., President of St. John’s University, who served as host in welcoming the more than 250 supporters and guests in attendance.
Located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, St. John’s Bread and Life serves more than 2,600 meals daily through its soup kitchens and food pantry, and this past year served over 800,000 meals to their clientele. Their remarkable story doesn’t end with feeding the needy. The organization is a full-service agency that offers legal referrals; support groups, nutritional counseling; medical support in partnership with Care for the Homeless, Inc.; the Sponsor-A-Family program; an on-site Food Stamp Application program; and a Tax Prep program.
“In the spirit of togetherness, I am thrilled to announce that we have raised $360,000 which is our largest amount raised ever in the 19-year history of the Johnny’s Angel Dinner,” said Tony Butler. “All the good work at Bread and Life could not be done without the support of the people here tonight; our board members, staff, volunteers and particularly those we serve.”
For more information contact Dominic Scianna, Associate Vice President for External Relations by calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquiries to [email protected].