At Jewish Museum @ Battery Park NY

Thursday, March 11, 2010

More than 250 New Yorkers united to wine, dine and raise money for a common cause – Met Council’s Food For Life campaign, supporting the expansion of Met Council’s Kosher Food Network, distribution program and services. The premier event was held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on March 11th and guests were treated to a sumptuous array of international food, wine and a scotch tasting followed by a formal program to honor local individuals and businesses dedicated to helping hungry New Yorkers.

“Food is potentially one of the most unifying components of a family, community and a country. Met Council runs the largest kosher distribution network in America and we are fortunate to live in a city where so many people support the work that we do, many of whom came out tonight to underscore their commitment to the evening’s guiding theme of Food For Life,” said William E. Rapfogel, Met Council’s CEO.

The emcee for the formal program was Brooklyn’s own internationally acclaimed food critic, television and radio personality, award winning author and guest lecturer, Arthur Schwartz, better known as The Food Maven. The evening ended with a live auction run by guest auctioneer from Sotheby’s, Jennifer Roth. In total, the evening ticket sales, raffle, silent auction and live auction raised more than $400,000 which will support the expansion of Met Council’s existing food distribution program, kosher food pantry, food vouchers, weekend and holiday meals for the homebound elderly and the creation of three new soup kitchens.

During the program, the following individuals and organizations were presented with awards:

Kenneth Chenault - Chairman and CEO of American Express, Mr. Chenault received the Leadership Award from New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver as a business leader whose contribution to Met Council helps ensure that thousands of hungry New Yorkers have access to healthy kosher food in a dignified and dependable way.

John Doherty - Principal of Wolfpack Hospitality and Former Executive Chef of the Waldorf Astoria, Mr. Doherty was awarded the Humanitarian Award by Menachem Lubinsky for his spirit and dedication to helping New Yorkers in crisis. Mr. Doherty has pledged his assistance to Met Council in the establishment of a commercial kitchen at one of the three “free restaurants” run by Met Council.

Pomegranate – the successful Brooklyn kosher supermarket owned by Abraham Banda was awarded the Community Partner award as a local business that bridges private business with philanthropy and highlights the principles of the Food For Life campaign.

Central Synagogue - Kenneth Heitner accepted the Tikkun Olam award, which in Hebrew means “Healing the World”, on behalf of Central Synagogue. Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, a member of Met Council’s board, presented the award, which recognized the synagogue for its breakfast program that feeds nearly 200 people in need each week.

“I appreciate being recognized for my efforts in feeding the needy but will use this event as a means to stress the importance for everyone to show their gratitude for what they have by helping those that have less. The amount of poverty and hunger in the world is staggering, perhaps too big for some to think of making an impact on. The Food For Life campaign addresses a significant, yet more manageable problem of hunger in our community. Everyone in the community can easily help others in need. It is our duty, the best way to make a difference and to show gratitude for all that we do have,” encouraged Mr. Doherty when he accepted his award.

About Met Council
Met Council is one of New York’s largest human services agencies, providing 100,000 New Yorkers with critical services in their fight against poverty every year. For 36 years, Met Council has been an advocate and defender for New Yorkers in need, and has raised awareness around the growing problem of Jewish poverty. With services ranging from domestic violence counseling to kosher food pantries to career training, Met Council helps individuals find lasting solutions to poverty. Learn more at www.metcouncil.org

Gloria smith is a School teacher for the past 25 years based here in Queens NY,with a masters degree in Education, she loves to travel allover the world, & writes about different topics,on International Business, Cultural events, & All Kind of Women Issues. & Events pertaining to women of all nationalitys.If you are interested in having Gloria cover one of your events,please send an email 1 week inadvance, @ LNGloria@lnom.org or tel: 718 507 7616 between 8am to 8pm EST.