This week, Brooklyn Community Services honored ?four incredible Brooklynites? at its Human Spirit Awards held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Robl? Ali, celebrity chef and star of Bravo’s ‘Chef Robl?? & Co; Fran Barrett, InterAgency Coordinator for Not-for-Profit Services for the Office of Governor Andrew M Cuomo; Joan Malin, executive director of Planned Parenthood of New York City and serves on BCS Board with distinction; and Janelle Miller, client honoree and student at BCS?s Brooklyn High School for Leadership and Community Service, each received an award from the 148-year old social services organization for their contributions to the borough.
“As a longtime Brooklynite, I?ve witnessed many changes in the community that have made Brooklyn a very exciting place to live. But for many residents, every day is a struggle. Tonight?s honorees are here to help us make Brooklyn an even better place to live and work, and they represent the best hopes of?ONE Brooklyn Community,” said BCS Chairman Aaron Dean.
Monday night?s gala had a record number of corporate sponsors. Proceeds of the gala will support BCS programming and the ONE Brooklyn Community campaign, a community awareness effort to engage the greater Brooklyn community on the 25% of Brooklynites living in poverty. Major Gala sponsors include:? Morgan Stanley, Cullen + Dykman, Depository Trust & Clearing Corp, PVH, Popular Community Bank, Con Edison, Greenberg Traurig, Skanska, Signmasters, Fox Broadcasting Company, Cydean Group, Benchmark Capital, Gartner, Broadview Networks, Citigroup, Warburg Realty, The New York Jets Foundation and Steven & Maureen Klinsky. ?
Bevy Smith, acclaimed national television personality, host of Bravo?s Fashion Queens and creator of her exclusive “Dinner with Bevy” dinner party series, hosted this year?s gala. The event chairs were board members, Michaela angela Davis and Charlie Lewis. Special guests included Mayor David N. Dinkins and Maiysha Kai.
“I’m honored to be honored. I love Brooklyn and to receive an award from BCS -with its long tradition of helping Brooklynites gain greater opportunities- makes me want to do more for my community,” said Chef Roble.
