HKSB News Release
Helen Keller Holds 31st Annual Gala
New York, October 2007
With over 300 people in attendance, Helen Keller Services for the Blind held its 31st Anniversary Sound & Light Gala on September 27th at Cipriani’s 42nd Street to honor two men for their significant and longtime commitment to the people the organization serves—Jim McCann, CEO and Founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and philanthropist Louis Anzalone.
Mr. McCann and his organization have been long-time supporters of Helen Keller Services for the Blind through its employment program. This partnership has enabled Helen Keller Services for the Blind to train and find employment for many of its deaf-blind clients and help them to develop independence and participate actively in their communities.
Mr. Anzalone is a long-time benefactor and former client of Helen Keller Services for the Blind who made possible the modernization of its Braille Center into a state-of-the art center for production of Braille and large-print textbooks for elementary and high school students.
Several dignitaries were on hand to honor Mr. McCann and Mr. Anzalone, including Commissioner Joseph Bruno of the Office of Emergency Management; Claudio Del Vecchio president and chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers; Dozier Hasty, publisher of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle; and Christopher Maher, executive vice president of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh. The event was moderated by Mistress of Ceremonies, Michelle Charlesworth, co-anchor of WABC-TV, Channel 7.
