United Way of Westchester and Putnam Hosts Annual Imagine Gala
United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) held its annual Imagine Gala, presented by PepsiCo, virtually on Thursday, March 25.
United Way’s Imagine Gala celebrated the community contributions and generosity of its 2021 “Spirit of Caring” honorees: Entergy – Indian Point Energy Center; Walter D. Hosp; and Jeannette S. Warner, Esq.
Every donation to the Imagine Gala helps United Way continue to provide critical services to the community’s most vulnerable residents who are affected by the ongoing COVID-19 public health and economic crises.
Last year, United Way donated over $9 million in essential goods such as blankets, diapers, and learning supplies to assist with basic human needs. They distributed more than 410,000 lbs. of groceries and prepared meals to over 18,000 households through their Ride United program and other efforts.
Entergy was presented with the Corporate Citizenship Award for its support of underprivileged communities in the county as well as schools and nonprofit health and human services organizations including United Way, Family Services of Westchester, and Friends of Karen.
“For 20 years, Entergy has forged strong partnerships with many important non-profits and other charitable organizations, including United Way, which do amazing work to support underprivileged communities throughout the county,” said Entergy’s Assessor for Nuclear Independent Oversight Dan Cooke. “We at Entergy would like to thank United Way for all of the many great things you do for our community.”
Walter D. Hosp, a resident of Edgemont and the CEO of ZenRE Holdings LLC, received the United Way’s Chairman’s Awardfor his longstanding service and significant charitable and support of the organization and his service as Chairman of its Board of Directors, notably guiding the organization in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy.
Speaking of his support of United Way, Hosp said, “What strikes me to the core is that the United Way has always, and still is, about a diverse group of people working together to help anyone in need of a temporary ‘hand up.’ Indeed, the largest part of the joy in supporting the United Way is working with people who simply want to help others and seeing people who are extremely thankful for the assistance…I would like to thank the organization, the Board and professional staff for this wonderful recognition.”
Longtime Scarsdale resident, Jeannette S. Warner, Esq., attorney and United Way’s Vice Chair of Advocacy received the Community Philanthropy Award for her longtime advocacy and fundraising efforts supporting the needs of people struggling in the community.
“Thank you to United Way for the honor of the Community Philanthropy Award for 2021,” Warner said. “From tangible, front-line aid such as distributing food to the hungry, delivering backpacks full of books for children who never owned a book, and providing goods of all sort to the needy…the United Way is working in our community to improve the lives of those who need it most.”
“I want to congratulate our three honorees Entergy, Walter Hosp, and Jeannette Warner,” said United Way President and CEO, Tom Gabriel. “You have all been amazing sustainers of our work, and we can’t thank you enough for your faith in us.”
United Way’s Imagine Gala was generously supported by Gold Sponsor – PepsiCo, Silver Sponsor – M&T Bank, Bronze Sponsors – PURE Insurance, Webster Bank, and Wegmans, and Event Sponsors – Brae Burn Country Club, Cuddy & Feder LLP, Scott and the Hon. Nan Hayworth, M.D.s, IBM, Paraco Gas, Thompson & Bender, and United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council.
To view a recording of the event, visit www.UWWP.org/imagine-gala.
About United Way of Westchester and Putnam
United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) provides strategic resources and tools to residents in crisis or who are marginalized due to personal or life’s circumstances. These include the 2-1-1 helpline, early literacy programming for preschoolers, job skills training and financial empowerment for adults, as well as access to health services.
UWWP is located at 336 Central Park Ave., White Plains, NY 10606. Phone: 914-997-6700 Website: www.uwwp.org. Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedWayWP and Twitter @UnitedWayWP
