By Mark Hallum
The Center for the Women of New York announced it will hold its 31st Anniversary Luncheon next month at Douglaston Manor where the organization will honor men and women who have played a critical role in their communities.
CWNY founder Ann Jawin established the organization 30 years ago to provide assistance to victims of domestic abuse through support groups and job training.
“I am so proud to say that our reputation for having exciting nominees will not only be maintained but exceeded,” Jawin said.
Women selected for awards were chosen for outstanding leadership and men being recognized have been designated as “Good Guys.” Leading up to the April 21 awards ceremony, there will be an auction followed by the luncheon. Tickets will cost $125.
Among the award recipients are Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), Teamsters Union Local 813 President Bernadette Kelly, 21/21 Initiative Executive Director Moira McDermott, the first Asian-American female Firefighter Sarinya Srisakul, Queens leader of United Federation of Teachers Mary Vaccaro, artist Marvin Brown, Indian civic leader Ashook Ramsaran and community leader Ernan Roman.
CWNY currently operates out of Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens with strong support from the borough president’s office.
The renovation of the landmarked building in Fort Totten that will be their new headquarters has been about a decade in the making, Jawin has said, but city bureaucracy has stood in the way of completion. Originally projected to cost the organization $500,000 and take a year to complete, the bill for the perennial project is going to cost CWNY about $3 million before it is all said and done.
The event will start at noon and all proceeds will go toward the organization’s new headquarters.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
