HKSB News Release
HKSB holds its 31st Annual Wills Luncheon
April 11, 2008, New York — With a Proclamation reading by none other than Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz himself, Helen Keller Services for the Blind celebrated its 31st Annual Wills Luncheon on April 8. With over 150 in attendance, the event took place at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios, located in the rejuvenated Brooklyn Navy Yard.
During his keynote speech, Borough President Markowitz congratulated this year’s honorees, Brooklyn Congressman Edolphus Towns and Con Ed Chairman & CEO Kevin Burke on their “distinguished work and the efforts to improve the quality of life for all, particularly those in need.”
Currently serving his 13th term, Congressman Towns’ legislative work in education, telecommunications, healthcare, financial services and the environment has earned him numerous awards. Mr. John Lynch, executive director of HKSB, during his presentation of Mr. Town’s award, said that the congressman holds a special place in the agency’s heart as Mr. Towns started out, many years ago, as a mobility instructor for HKSB.
Kevin Burke has worked at Con Edison since 1973 and has held senior positions in system planning, engineering, law, nuclear power, construction and corporate planning. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Mr. Burke managed the company’s massive power restoration work in lower Manhattan.
The Louis C. Wills Award honors the Late Mr. Wills, who was president of the agency when it was known as the Industrial Home for the Blind and served on the Board of Trustees for over 40 years. A community activist, Mr. Wills was an attorney by trade who practiced law until his death in 1975 at the age of 91. HKSB honors the legacy that Mr. Wills left behind by paying tribute to individuals who have a demonstrated record of outstanding commitment to social service, cultural and civic groups.
