Supporters of a Brooklyn social-service organization showed even more heart than usual last week.
About 1,150 people turned out for the centennial celebration of HeartShare Human Services last week, raising nearly $700,000 for the multi-faceted do-gooder group. Attendees said the bash was a blast.
“It was an absolutely wonderful evening,” said Jennifer Reres, an organization spokeswoman.
The group’s annual gala took over the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan on March 27. The group usually honors a few individuals at the shindig, but for the anniversary, organizers took stock all the individuals it has given awards in the past.
“This year we took pause and looked back at all these people and recognized what they gave to the organization over the years,” said Reres.
HeartShare did issue one new award, to Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Carlo Scissura for his work advocating on behalf of school-kids. The borough business big-shot was humbled by the recognition.
“HeartShare is one of New York City’s top organizations that cares for people,” Scissura said. “They really care. And to be recognized by them is really an honor.”
HeartShare was founded in 1914 to help teens transition from living in orphanages to living on their own. It now offers programs for people with autism, foster care, adoption help, and after-school programs, among other services.
“HeartShare is always growing and responding to the needs of vulnerable populations,” Reres said. “[The anniversary gala was a] great time to look at everything we’ve accomplished and how far we’ve come.”
The group’s annual budget is $150 million, making it the third-largest children’s service agency in New York, the group said. Its programs serve 29,000 New Yorkers, it said.
