2009 Gala: Champions of Hope

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Gwyneth Paltrow was the guest of honor at Children of the City's Champion of Hope Gala on Wednesday, July 29 2009. Eyewitness News Meteorologist Bill Evans had the double-duty of Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer. Also in attendance were Board Member and NY Giants Wide Receiver David Tyree, Senator Martin J. Golden, Council Member Sara M. Gonzalez, and television actress Bella Thorne.

Gwyneth Paltrow spoke eloquently about our organization before presenting an award to Council Member Sara M. Gonzalez. Ms. Paltrow graciously donated a chic designer handbag from her private collection for our live auction. Throughout the evening, the Oscar and Golden Globe Award winning actress spent quality time with the girls from Children of the City offering inspiration, encouragement, and praise for the teenagers and our organization.

DAVID TYREE AND GWYNETH PALTROW

BILL EVANS

BILL EVANS AND GWYNETH PALTROW

David Tyree presented an award to John Abi-Habib and Rosa, a young lady in our guardianship program, presented an award to Richard Mahler.

GWYNETH PALTROW

DEBBIE BROOKS

MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORABILIA

Bill Evans' energy was contagious as he helped us raise money with both a live and silent auction of luxury items including jewelry, handbags by Debbie Brooks, sports memorabilia, artwork, and gold records earned by Jon Bon Jovi and Michael Jackson.

*click on any image to enlarge*

Since 1981, Children of the City has been serving the underprivileged children in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Starting out as a children’s prevention outreach in the early years, services have evolved to help children and their families achieve success in education, social relationships, home, financial and career. Our dedicated team of professionals and highly committed volunteers visit one thousand children every single month, and provide many services to hundreds of them on a daily and weekly basis. We are dedicated to the young lives they reach every day, helping to give them a better tomorrow.