2009 Leake & Watts Annual Awards Gala

Leake & Watts recently hosted its 2009 Annual Awards Gala at the St. Regis Hotel in New York.  Over 275 guests turned out for the event, raising more than $430,000 in support of the organization’s programs and services.  Their participation helps Leake & Watts address the myriad of challenges that confront individuals and families dealing with poverty, emotional and cognitive disabilities, trauma, and a lack of access to education and basic services.  In addition, by trimming expenses in response to the current state of the economy, Leake & Watts set a record and turned the 2009 Gala into its largest netting event ever. This will allow for the agency’s services to reach more people in need during these challenging times.

Each year, Leake & Watts honors members of the community who have made outstanding contributions toward the building of strong, caring communities for children and families in need.  The 2009 honorees were Edmund Hartnett, Police Commissioner of Yonkers, who accepted his award on behalf of the men and women in blue who serve the community, and Phoebe R. Stanton, long time board member and child welfare advocate.  Both praised the dedication and passion with which the Leake & Watts staff undertakes their mission. 

“It is truly an exciting time at Leake & Watts with many new programs and services in development,” says Alan Mucatel, the agency’s new Executive Director.  “We are thrilled to have the support of our donors and sponsors, which encourages our growth as an agency and enables us to bring life-affirming programs to a greater number of individuals.  The community’s support enables us to provide the diverse programs that help create strong foundations for success for children, adults, and families each day.”

For information about the Gala, contact Meredith Barber at mbarber@leakeandwatts.org or 914.375.8711.