There were plenty of smiles, tears, and cheers at the highly anticipated 2021 Cabrini Mission Foundation Gala, hosted on Oct 7th at the Metropolitan Club. The event bolstered many familiar and a few new faces, all sharing a common goal to support and celebrate the Missionary Sisters as well as the honorees. A dazzling performance by our emcee, Joe Piscopo and a first look at the upcoming Mother Cabrini movie were just a few highlights of the wonderful night.
Kathleen Ann Michels
The feeling in the room was heart-warming as each honoree was highlighted for their remarkable achievements and commitment to helping others. Four individuals were awarded the Covid Angel Award which recognizes those who have helped their community and brought smiles to the faces of those who needed it most.
Ron Cole
Nurse Bissoondai Persad has the task of caring for our Senior Sisters at the Sacred Heart Convent here in New York, and at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, worked diligently to keep our Sisters safe. Luzmilla Cedeño has been a volunteer at Cabrini Immigrant Services in New York for 20 years, and each week has come to help in the distribution of food to those in need as part of our food pantry program. Ronald Cole, a Respiratory Therapist at the St. Cabrini Nursing Home, has been courageous throughout the pandemic, and was one of the first to deliver up close and personal care
Luzmila Cedeno, Sr. Yolanda Flores
and treatment to our residents who contracted COVID-19. Kathleen Ann Michels, an Emergency Room nurse in New York-Presbyterian Hospital the Weill Cornell Level 1 Trauma Center, was at the forefront of treating COVID patients as the pandemic unfolded, working countless hours to help see them recover.
Along with these dedicated individuals, three honorees were awarded the Spirit of Cabrini Award, which represents an understanding of Mother Cabrini and a willingness to continue her legacy of helping people who are in need throughout New York City beginning with the Italian-American community. Philip Foglia, Sr. (Posthumously) and Chazz and Gianna Palminteri, have been involved with the Foundation for many years and were able to use their connections to erect the Mother Cabrini statue in Bryant Park.
Chazz Palminteri, Gianna Palminteri, Pietrina Raccuglia, Joe Piscopo, Chris LaBianco
The Sisters and Foundation staff would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to everyone in attendance and for the continued support of the mission.