By: Steve Webner Staff Writer for World Liberty TV

NY@Heart, 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.

It was a truly great event and honoring great people who have been helping Volunteers of America Greater New York, for many years, close to 400 people were in attendance and we also had the pleasure of seeing the Legendary Dancers Rockettes do a live performance.

About Volunteers of America-Greater New York: The history of the Greater New York affiliate is intricately intertwined with the national organization. The national headquarters, originally in New York City, relocated to New Orleans in 1979 and to Alexandria, VA in 2000. The Greater New York affiliate is one of the largest, with an operating budget close to $100 million and 1,000 employees.

Now in its second century of caring for those in need, Volunteers of America-Greater New York understands what it takes to heal families and individuals in crisis. Our skilled, professional staff have years of experience providing care for survivors of domestic violence, individuals and families—including veterans—experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, and substance use issues, adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, preschoolers with developmental delays, older adults on limited incomes, and at-risk youth.

Volunteers of America-Greater New York Expertly galvanizes resources within neighborhoods—including corporate and other community partners who provide many volunteer services to support those in our programs, and help them feel cared for and connected to the community.

Since its founding in 1896, Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s work has evolved with the changing social and political landscapes, but it remains true to its mission to “reach and uplift all people.”

About Our Name: The name Volunteers of America was selected when the organization was founded in 1896. It signified that the organization was comprised of people volunteering to make service their life work. In those days, a volunteer was anyone who was committed to a mission or cause. Since its earliest days, when Volunteers of America brought food, medicine and comfort to people not served by other charities, volunteering has been instrumental in every aspect of the organization.

Today, our services are delivered through a partnership of professional staff, volunteers and other community supporters.

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