Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s (VOA-GNY) 25th annual gala, celebrating the strength and resilience of VOA-GNY throughout this past year—and the last 125 years—keeping thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors in need safe.
All proceeds from the event will benefit VOA-GNY’s 66 social service programs. Willie Geist, host of NBC’s Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist and co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe will be the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
Multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and fashion icon A$AP Rocky will receive Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
This award recognizes an individual who has not only demonstrated extraordinary resilience by rising above difficult circumstances to achieve remarkable success, but who has shown great empathy and generosity by giving back to the community.
As a child, Rocky lived with his mother at VOA-GNY’s Regent Family Residence during a period of homelessness.
Additionally, Mr. Reginald Goins, President & COO, The Honickman Companies (includes Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New York) and Secretary, VOA-GNY Board of Directors, will receive the Spirit of New York Award and Ms. Octavia Rushin, former VOA-GNY client, will receive the Achievement Award.
Other special guests in attendance include Paige Davis, actor and TV host, Mariano Duncan, former NY Yankees player, Min Jin Lee, award-winning bestselling author, Julianne Moore, award-winning actor and producer, Patrick Page, award-winning actor and singer, Charles Smith, former NY Knicks player, John Starks, former NY Knicks player and Kathy Wakile, actor and author.
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The famed celebration kicked off at 9 a.m. from Central Park West and 77th Street to cheers of eager spectators as it embarked on its traditional two-and-a-half mile trek south through Midtown, signaling the official start to the holiday season.
“New York hasn’t lost its magic! Goodbye COVID, and hello baby Yoda!”
Last year, the route was trimmed to a single block due to pandemic precautions, which also barred spectators from turning up to watch.
While kids under 12 weren’t allowed to march in the parade this year, the spectacle was allowed to go on with few pandemic restrictions aside from a recommendation that parade goers mask up and a requirement that all participants be vaccinated.
The holiday festival brought swarms of tourists and locals who lined up early Thursday to ensure they had a good spot to watch the 28 floats and 15 oversized balloons make their way through Manhattan.
Longtime classics like Snoopy, Spongebob and Papa Smurf were back once again but newcomers like Ada Twist, the scientist from the animated children’s Netflix series, and the beloved Baby Yoda from “The Mandalorian,” made their parade debuts.
“For more than nine decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to millions, who gather with friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration along the streets of New York City and in homes nationwide,” Will Coss, the parade’s executive producer, said in a statement.
“For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats and incredible performers. We can’t wait to help New York City and the nation kick-off the holiday season with the return of this cherished tradition.”
We have covered the Macy’s thanksgiving parade for many years, and Balloon Inflation at Central park, a day before the thanks giving day parade in our World Liberty TV, Cultural Channels. See More parades in our World Liberty TV, Cultural Channels and Blogs by clicking here.
George Kambosos Jr. believes yesterday’s fracas between Teofimo Lopez’s father and his father shows the champion’s team is full of ‘nervous energy’ ahead of their clash for Lopez’s IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC Franchise & Ring Magazine World Lightweight titles, at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.
George Kambosos Jr. believes yesterday’s fracas between Teofimo Lopez’s father and his father shows the champion’s team is full of ‘nervous energy’ ahead of their clash for Lopez’s IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC Franchise & Ring Magazine World Lightweight titles, at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.
Kambosos Jr. (19-0 10 KOs) and Lopez (16-0 12 KOs) have been itching to get in the ring and end the long-running saga over their clash, which has been cancelled twice since being called with the Australian landing the IBF mandatory spot with victory in London over Lee Selby in October 2020.
Challenger and champion attended the media workout in New York yesterday, and as their paths crossed in the new Church Street Boxing Gym location near MSG, the teams clashed as the tensions rose between the camps.
It was a great pleasure to meet and interview Teofimo Lopez The Current IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine World Lightweight titles. Our Prediction for the fight is a late round KO or a stoppage of George Kambosos Jr. Teofimo Lopez is too skilled and powerful for his opponent.
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