13th Annual Champion Awards Luncheon

On Thursday, May 8, 2008, 800 corporate, philanthropic and government leaders gathered at the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City for Safe Horizon’s 13th Annual Champion Awards Luncheon.  The theme of the luncheon was Let Hope Shine, a celebration to honor those who are shining a vibrant light on the issues of violence and abuse in the home, in the workplace and in the community.

With the help of Stephanie March, Actress and Safe Horizon Board member, as the event’s Host, Neil Rubler, Safe Horizon Board Member, President and CEO of Vantage Properties, as our Corporate Chair, and our generous underwriters and longstanding partners, Phillips-Van Heusen and Capital One, the luncheon was a huge success.  Our supporters and friends gathered to celebrate Safe Horizon and honor those that have helped us further our mission by shining hope and awareness on issues of violence and abuse.

The event began with a reception, where guests could visit a booth to learn more about SafeWork, our national movement to empower corporate America to address domestic violence in the workplace.  They also could visit our Hope Shop, where they could learn about our Hope Shining initiative launching this fall.

A highlight of the luncheon was the announcement of Safe Horizon’s new CEO, Ariel Zwang.  Ariel Zwang joins Safe Horizon after serving as Executive Director of New York Cares for 7 years where she build the organization into New York’s largest volunteer organization.  Brooke McMurray, Board Chair, welcomed Ariel as our new CEO, effective July 1, 2008.  Read the CEO Announcement Press Release.

In addition to celebrating those that have taken a leadership role in moving victims from crisis to confidence, the Luncheon provided an opportunity for us to highlight our education and awareness efforts.  Guest Speaker, Andy Serwer, Managing Editor of Fortune, acknowledged the founding members of SafeWork 2010, our national initiative to challenge corporate leaders to recognize the impact of domestic violence on the workplace and take action to address it.

Neil Rubler thanked our partners and introduced Congressman Charlie Rangel as our Honorary Chair.  In his video greeting, Congressman Rangel highlighted his years of work with the organization and the upcoming opening of Safe Horizon’s Harlem Hub in his district.

Safe Horizon’s Junior Council received the 2008 Champions for Tomorrow Award for their support of our critical work by raising funds and awareness of Safe Horizon among the next generation of donors and advocates.  The Council has raised more than $180,000 and introduced more than 1,000 new donors to Safe Horizon since it was established in 2006.

For five years, the Liz Claiborne Champion Award has recognized an individual working tirelessly to advance the cause of victims of violence.  We honored Redbook’s editor-in-chief, Stacy Morrison with the 2008 Liz Claiborne Champion Award.  Stacy has been an invaluable media partner helping us highlight the complex issues that so many editors have shied away from.

Moving more than 350,000 victims of violence each year requires substantial funding.  The $850,000 this luncheon raised is a testament to the confidence that so many supporters have in our vital services.  With your continued support, we hope to help even more men, women and children heal and rebuild their lives.

View the slideshow of the event by clicking here.

View Patrick McMullen's photos by clicking here.

Read coverage of our luncheon's kick-off on April 14th, at the Calvin Klein Collection store, or view the event photos.