On December 14, 2011, the Human Services Council (HSC) hosted our annual Leadership Awards Reception at the 320 Park Avenue space graciously provided by Mutual of America. Almost 250 people attended this event and helped us meet our goal of raising $110,000 to support HSC’s advocacy efforts to improve human services for New York City.
HSC honored two visionary leaders for their amazing contributions to the human services sector:
- Jack Krauskopf, Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management at the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College
- Elwanda Young, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of United Way of New York City (UWNYC)
Jack and Elwanda are pillars of the human services sector and we thank them for their dedication.
The festivities began with Michael Stoller reading the proclamations HSC received from New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli congratulating HSC and the honorees for their service and wishing HSC continued success in its mission. Afterwards, Tyrone Golatt, Senior Field Vice President at Mutual of America, welcomed the guests with a few opening remarks. Our two honorees were introduced by Joel Copperman, HSC Board Chair, who thanked Jack Krauskopf for his service, and Gordon Campbell, President of UWNYC, who thanked Elwanda Young.
In addition to honoring these distinguished leaders, HSC celebrated its 20th Anniversary. Sadly, Horace Morris, former Board Chair of HSC, could not join us for this occasion as he recently passed away. Ralph Dickerson Jr. and Stephen Solender commemorated his life and led a moment of silence for Horace’s passing. Horace, Ralph, and Stephen were three of 20 we invited to share this evening’s 20th anniversary. These people were instrumental to the formation of HSC – funders, board chairs, former executive directors, founders, friends, and believers.
Joining us for this event were State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs, Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno, Commissioner Robert Doar, Commissioner Jeanne Mullgrav, Commissioner Ronald Richter, Deputy Commissioner Bill Chong, Deputy Commissioner Caryn Resnick, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services Marla Simpson, Deputy Director of the New York City Office of Management and Budget P.V. Anantharam, and Director of Management Innovation Louisa Chafee. Their attendance demonstrated their support and appreciation for the human services sector. In addition, several HSC members were surprised to receive checks from the State Comptroller’s office for unclaimed funds, including The Actors Fund who received a check for over $20,000.
Last, but not least, HSC celebrated its new Who Cares? I Do. campaign with an original song by our very own Michael Stoller. The campaign has been spreading awareness of the effects of budget cuts on our sector – one of the most pressing issues we face today. Since its inception eight months ago, we’ve had over 10,000 petition signatures, almost 30,000 web hits from 99 different countries, and over 1500 Facebook and Twitter followers – a huge success. The reception was a great way to end the year and we want to thank everyone for their support – we’ll keep the momentum going.
To view the 2011 Journal click here.
For a link to previous award winners, please click here.
Contributed by Jason Wu of the Human Services Council
Human Services Council 