15th Annual Champion Awards

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On June 3rd, more than 450 supporters joined Safe Horizon for our 15th Annual Champion Awards gala at Gotham Hall in New York City, to celebrate and honor the extraordinary people and organizations making a difference in the lives of victims of crime and abuse!

This year, we honored New York County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. for his outstanding work on behalf of families and communities, and Verizon for their leadership in supporting our SafeWork campaign and victims of domestic violence through their HopeLine program.

The evening began with Safe Horizon’s board chair, Steve Parrish, welcoming our guests to the Champion Awards. Steve then introduced the gala’s chair, board member, former prosecutor, and bestselling novelist Linda Fairstein. Linda’s speech highlighted the days in her 30-year career before Safe Horizon existed, and how the organization has grown into a national leader in providing services to those affected by violence and abuse.

After Linda’s presentation, Safe Horizon CEO Ariel Zwang took the stage to thank our board members for their incredible leadership and participation to help make Champion 2010 a success. Ariel then noted special thanks to our government partners, whose efforts to support our work have helped us to grow and to provide greater services to more individuals and families.

Denise O’Donnell, former Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, then presented District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. with the first Champion Award of the evening. Mr. Vance used his acceptance speech to show his support for those affected by crisis, and to praise Safe Horizon for our services that provide hope and help.

Sil Lai Abrams, former Safe Horizon client, domestic violence survivor, and columnist for Men’s Fitness magazine, presented the second Champion Award to Verizon. Jim Gerace, President of the New York Metro region for Verizon, accepted the award on behalf of a company whose support of our SafeWork program – our campaign to help domestic violence victims in the workplace - has been outstanding.

One of the evening’s highlights was hearing a survivor of human trafficking speak about the role Safe Horizon played in helping her escape crisis. Diana’s moving testimony underscored both the resilience of the human spirit and the need for supportive services for crime victims.

Safe Horizon is proud to honor both Mr. Vance, Jr. and Verizon, as well as Diana, our client guest. We are also grateful to our board members whose commitment and encouragement have made our Champion Awards this year a success. Last, we thank all the individuals and companies who donated their talents and services toward our first-ever Auctions, and famed appraiser Eric Silver (from PBS' "Antiques Roadshow") for helping with our Live Auction event!

If you could not attend this year's Champion Awards ....

You can still show your support for Safe Horizon by making a gift! Your donation helps in our efforts to provide children, adults, and families affected by violence and abuse with critical services to help them move from crisis to confidence.

For more information regarding Champion 2010, please contact us at events@safehorizon.org or call 212.577.5084.

See photos from Champion 2010.

See photos from past Champion Awards events.