Irvington Abbott House Marks 50 Years at Gala

Irvington non-profit organization Abbott House raised $162,000 at its Dignity of Family Life Award Dinner and 50th Anniversary Gala on October 24, according to a press release.

Abbott House serves families, children and the developmentally disabled.

The organization noted:

Meredith Vieira (television journalist) served as Emcee for the evening. The gala celebration honored Al Roker (NBC News) and Deborah Roberts (ABC News) and their family with the inaugural The Dignity of Family Life Award. This award is presented to individuals who personify the values and commitment necessary to preserve the dignity of family life. The Dignity of Family Life Award has been created in remembrance of the occasion of the very first Abbott House fund-raising dinner when the honoree, Nobel Laureate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered a speech he titled “The Dignity of Family Life: an Address at Abbott House, Westchester County, NY October, 29, 1965.” In it, Dr. King noted that Abbott House is “serving humanity in a most constructive way.”

Six others were presented with Friend of Abbott House awards for their longstanding contribution of time, talent, and treasure to the people served by Abbott House.  These included Susan Corcoran, Barbara Kammerer, Dr. Robert Rawdin, Jody Rawdin, David Wade, and Diane Wade.

The event was also the occasion of the launching of a major gift campaign, entitled “Fifty Forward, Celebrating the Past, Securing the Future.”  Announced by Abbott House Board of Directors Chairman, Gregory T. Mooney, the goal of the campaign is $1,000,000.  It will begin November 1 (the actual date of incorporation fifty years ago) and run for one year.

According to Abbott House President and CEO, James L. Kaufman, “The evening was an historic one for Abbott House.  We reconnected with our roots, celebrated our half-century of service, and set the stage for the future. There was a wonderful feeling of support and camaraderie among the guests and a real sense of pride for what we have accomplished and what we will continue to do. From the recorded voice of Dr. Martin Luther King giving the invocation from the first Abbott House Dinner in 1965, to Al Roker’s acceptance speech, to the announcement of the Fifty Forward Campaign, to the 50th Anniversary video – it was an evening that will long be remembered.”