Myra Biblowit, President of
the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the Steven
McDonald Family of the New York Police Department Honored at
The Kelly Cares Foundation's 5th Annual
Irish Eyes Gala
The Kelly Cares Foundation, established by Notre Dame head
football coach Brian Kelly and his wife, Paqui, honored Myra
Biblowit, President of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
(BCRF), and the Steven McDonald Family of the New York
Police Department at its 5th Annual
Irish Eyes Gala on Monday, March 16, 2015 at the JW Marriot
Essex House in New York City. The gala raised more than
$750,000 which will support causes locally, nationally, and
globally.
The Irish Eyes Gala, the Kelly Cares Foundation's signature
event, celebrates those that have demonstrated a dedication
to improving the lives of others, in turn inspiring hope to
all those they encounter along the way. The Kelly Cares
Foundation will use the funds raised to help improve the
lives of others, notably through organizations that focus on
Health, Education and Community.
"Both
Myra and the McDonald family are respected pillars in our
society, and we are so proud to have honored them at our
Irish Eyes Gala," said Brian Kelly. "Myra's dedication to
breast cancer patients and to finding a cure is remarkable.
And the McDonald family's strength, faith, and dedication to
making the world a better, safer place are incredibly
inspiring."
"We
are so thrilled to honor Myra and the McDonald family," said
Paqui Kelly. "Whether you're fighting for a cure for breast
cancer, or speaking out against gun violence and the
importance of forgiveness, we're left with only one word '
hope and for that, we are so grateful to them."
Myra Biblowit was honored with the 'Leadership in Health
Award' for her passion and dedication to improving treatment
for breast cancer patients, and BCRF's funding of more than
220 global researchers to find a cure. Under Biblowit's
leadership, BCRF has raised more than $535 million in funds
to fuel breast cancer research across the spectrum of the
disease including tumor biology, heredity and ethnicity,
lifestyle and prevention, treatment, survivorship and
metastasis. By investing 91 cents of every dollar spent back
into its mission, BCRF is one of the nation's most
fiscally-responsible non-profits and the only breast cancer
organization with an A+ rating from Charity Watch.
Ms. Biblowit received her award at the Irish Eyes Gala from
Kelley Tuthill and Linda Holliday. Ms. Tuthill is the lead
court reporter for the WCVB television station in Boston and
a 1992 University of Notre Dame alumna. She is a breast
cancer survivor who has served on committees for the Breast
Cancer Research Foundation and has spoken at Notre Dame
College of Science's Pink Zone luncheon for breast cancer.
Ms. Holliday is New England Patriots? Coach Bill Belichick's
long-time girlfriend and the Director of the Bill Belichick
Foundation. She and Bill are long-time supporters of the
Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Kelly Cares
Foundation.
"The promise of science is rich and within our grasp. We all
sing from the same score and dare to change the future for
our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. Together, we
are reaching for the big prize, a world without breast
cancer," said Ms. Biblowit. "In addition to being amazing
and courageous people, Brian and Paqui are making the world
a better place with their dedication to community, family
and health care. I am honored beyond measure to receive this
award from the Kelly Cares Foundation."
The Steven McDonald Family, of the New York Police
Department, received the 'Spirit of Giving Award.' On July
12, 1986 in Central Park, Detective McDonald approached
three suspected bike thieves and was shot three times. He
was left a quadriplegic and still breathes on a ventilator,
yet he forgave the 15-year-old who shot him. His wife Patti
Ann McDonald, who is the Mayor of the Long Island town of
Malverne, encouraged him to speak about gun violence and the
importance of forgiveness, which he has done ever since,
both nationally and internationally. In 2010, their son
Conor McDonald became a fourth-generation police officer
with the New York Police Department.
The McDonalds received their award at the Irish Eyes Gala
from Ray Kelly, former Commissioner of the New York Police
Department. Former Commissioner Kelly had previously met the
Kelly Cares Foundation team at New York's annual Kelly Gang
Dinner and became close after presenting Paqui and Brian
Kelly with an award for $60,000 to the Kelly Cares
Foundation. Commissioner Kelly is close friends with the
McDonald family, and Conor McDonald wears Commissioner
Kelly's former badge number.
"On
behalf of my entire family, it is an honor and a treat to be
with all of you, and the Kelly Cares Foundation, which does
so much for so many," said Detective McDonald. "I want to
thank Brian and Paqui for having us here tonight. I salute
you for helping so many in need in the past, present, and
future."
The co-chairs of this year's Irish Eyes Gala, whom also
spoke at the event, were John Mosley, a former Notre Dame
football player and current football consultant to the New
York Yankees, and Brian Caufield of Moore Capital
Management. Jack
Nolan, the Voice of the Fighting Irish, served as the
evening's emcee. Bruce Beck, sports anchor for WNBC-TV, and
Mr. Nolan led the gala's live auction.
Additional attendees included: New England Patriots head
coach Bill Belichick, Jon and Dorothea Bon Jovi, NBC's Anne
Thompson, Chicago band manager Peter Schivarelli, Dallas
Cowboys right guard Zack Martin, and San Diego Chargers
offensive guard Chris Watt.
The Kelly Cares Foundation, now in its sixth year, was
founded with the objective of supporting organizations,
initiatives and programs that closely align with the goals
and values of the Kelly family in the three pillars of Health,
Education, and Community. The
Foundation is establishing itself as a 'Playbook for Hope'
in its local Indiana community and beyond as it seeks to
provide direct and immediate assistance for as many people
as possible.
Since its founding in 2008,
the Kelly Cares Foundation has donated more than $2 million
to support causes locally, nationally and globally.
Organizations that have received contributions from the
Kelly Cares Foundation include the Breast Cancer Research
Foundation, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Breezy
Point Disaster Relief Fund and the Notre Dame Hesburgh
Library.
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