500 Turn Out For Manhattan Links Gala ’10

Over 500 guests attended The Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Incorporated gala honoring the Governor and First Lady of the State of New York, David A. Paterson and Michelle Paige Paterson and Geoffrey Canada…

… president and chief executive officer of Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) at the Capitale in New York City on Sunday, December 12, 2010.The evening benefitted the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of Links, a non-profit organization dedicated to substantially impacting the quality of life for children and families in Greater Harlem through arts, education and leadership development.

“We are proud to honor Geoffrey Canada, with the Links’ first Educational Leadership Award, for his outstanding dedication to Harlem children,” said Anna Maria Harris, president of the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. “Geoffrey Canada’s achievements are truly inspiring and empowering so many individuals and families,” added Harris.

The Metro-Manhattan Chapter of Links, Inc. and HCZ share the goal to create safe, stable and encouraging environments for Harlem children and families. HCZ serves more than 8,800 children in the 100 block area in Harlem, New York City, and a total of 10,000 children in Harlem overall.

Award-winning CBS 2 News anchor Maurice Dubois hosted the evening and the gala featured a special performance by the Millennium Dance Company, a Harlem-based program for young girls, supported by the Metro-Manhattan Links.

The event was attended by educational and civic leaders including: Congressman Charles and Alma E. Rangel, Dennis Walcott, Deputy Mayor for Education, Cassandra Simmons, Dean Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, Lee C. Bollinger, President of Columbia University, Dr. Sandye Johnson, Principal of Thurgood Marshall Academy in Harlem, Kathryn C. and Kenneth I. Chenault, CEO of American Express, Corbett A. Price, CEO of Kurron Shares of America, Inc., B. Smith and Dan Gasby, Donna Williams, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Corporate sponsors for the evening were the Cochran Firm, Time Warner, Verizon, JP Morgan Chase, the City University of New York and Key Bank. The evening included a silent auction, dinner and dancing to the soulful sounds of The Package.

Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. announced the nationwide expansion of its 12-year-old Young Achievers program. With a record number of 55 students this year, the Young Achievers program provides mentorships and life skills workshops for young African American men.  The goal for this program is to focus on helping these young men of color graduate from high school and college. Since the program started, Metro-Manhattan Links has helped over 300 men going to college over the past twelve years.

Photo credit (l to r): 1. Honoree Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone, Anna Maria Bishop-Harris, President of Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. and Reverend W. Franklin Richardson at the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. Gala. 2. Honoree Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone, Anna Maria Bishop-Harris, President of Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. Governor David A. Paterson and Congressman Charles Rangel at the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. Gala. 3. Donna Williams, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and B. Smith, member of The Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Incorporated at the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. Gala.4, Kathryn C. and Kenneth I. Chenault with Young Achievers at the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of the Links, Inc. Gala