Today I attended the Staten Island Women of Achievement Luncheon, an award event sponsored by the Staten Island Advance. Close to 1,000 guests packed the Hilton ballroom to hear the stories of some of the community's most influencial females.
Honored today were Christina Chukalas, Betty Harty, Elissa Montanti, Lynn A. Rogers, and Elizabeth Rooney. Each of there stories left the audience in captivated silence.
Keynote speaker for the event was none other than Dr. Oz, who has family on the Island. This man was a pure vision of health. They could have turned the lights off and illuminated the room with his healthy glow alone. When our Pledge of Alegiance leader Alyssa Trivelloni was announced and began approaching the stage, Dr. Oz shot from his chair and ran front to lift her up and onto the stage. After helping her with the pledge he surprised her with a gift as every audience member's heart melted like butter. I might mention that the Doctor came here from a major surgery he was performing this morning. I nominate him for Mr. America.
Additional notable guests included NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Diane Savino (first female senator), Councilwoman Debi Rose (first African-American elected official on Staten Island,) Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (first hispanic assemblywoman.)
The women honored at today's event could have easily chosen to use their power to make a financial fortune for themselves. Many pine for the kind of drive and commitment these women possess so as to help themselves climb to riches. Yet we sat here celebrating these women because of their choice to use their talents for others. They are rich: rich with stories of lives saved and influenced by their work, in self value, meaning in their community and emotional journeys. In a time when dollars are tearing lives - and even countries - apart, these ladies stood on stage in tranquil beauty that cannot be found from even the most abundant bank account. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn about these women and so pleased to see them rewarded. They are role models for the kind of life I wish to continue to pursue.
Congratulations to today's honorees, and thank you to the Advance and all the individuals who gave their support to today's event!
P.S. Will add my pictures once I get back the camera that we used at the event! Check back!
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