Our Annual Luncheon has been a New York City tradition since 1948. The 62nd Annual Luncheon took place on December 2, 2009 at the Marriott Marquis, located just off of New York’s iconic Times Square.
And who more “New York” to honor this year than New York Yankee Andy Pettitte? The celebrated pitcher, who helped the Yankees clinch the 2009 World Series, received a Pinnacle of Achievement Award for his humanitarian work. Activist Malaak Compton-Rock’s innovative program Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service also received a Pinnacle of Achievement Award.
Today show co-host Kathie Lee Gifford emceed the benefit. Long-time Salvation Army advisory board member Theodore J. Carlson was honored in memoriam for his life of community service. Chairman and CEO of the Stafford Foundation, Earl W. Stafford, received recognition for all his organization does to help the disadvantaged help themselves.
Salvation Army leader, Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Guy D. Klemanski’s remarks turned the audience’s attention to a different side of New York: the suffering throughout the region brought on by the economic downturn. He encouraged participation in The Salvation Army Greater New York Division’s Stand Together Campaign—a fundraising effort to spread relief for recession-related hardships throughout the Greater New York area. All proceeds from the Luncheon went to help New Yorkers in need.