From left, Joe Browne, NFL Exec. V.P. Communications and Public Affairs, Suzanne Wright, co-founder, Autism Speaks, Bob Papa, New York Giants radio team pre-game and post-game host. View a photo gallery here.
Over 500 people gathered on March 12 at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City as Autism Speaks and the Gillen Brewer School hosted Kickoff for a Cure III, the third annual awards gala event benefiting both organizations equally. The evening was a great success, considerably surpassing its fundraising goals by raising over $1.97 million for children with autism and other special needs.
The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring a silent auction full of incredible NFL memorabilia, beautiful jewelry and exclusive access packages. Guests enjoyed the unique
Highlights from the Kickoff for a Cure III YouTube Video ~ 1 minute
opportunity to mingle with some of their favorite former NFL players, including many Hall of Famers. The titans of the gridiron present at the event were Harry Carson, Tony Dorsett, Jack Ham, Deacon Jones, Willie Lanier, Steve Largent, Karl Mecklenburg, Warren Moon, Anthony Munoz, Bart Oates, Kellen Winslow and Jack Youngblood.
The exciting evening continued with dinner, followed by the awards presentation. The awards program was presided over by sports play-by-play announcer, Bob Papa, the “voice” of the New York Giants as the team's radio pre-game and post-game host. Honored that evening were Alain Belda, Chairman and CEO of Alcoa; Jerry Jones, Owner, President and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys; Duncan Niederaurer, CEO. of the New York Stock Exchange Euronext; and Donald S. Perkins former Chairman of Jewel Companies, Inc. The event's Co-Chairs were Roger Goodell, Commissioner, National Football League; Mel Karmazin, CEO, Sirius Satellite Radio; Henry Schacht, Chairman, The Gillen Brewer School; Tim Solso, Chairman and CEO, Cummins Inc.; Paul Tagliabue, Former Commissioner, National Football League; and Suzanne & Bob Wright, Founders, Autism Speaks. The evening ended on a high note with an impromptu live auction that raised $50,000 in the final moments of the event!