On October 2nd, 2019 The New York Foundling—one of the city’s oldest and largest social service providers – held its 150th Anniversary Gala, a sold-out affair attended by over 500 guests. The event raised $1.1 MILLION through donations, ticket and table sales and both live – and online auction. All proceeds from last night event and the ongoing online auction will go towards the organization’s programs aimed at helping children, adults and families to create transformational change in their own lives. The Foundling’s online auction – which features eight premium lots including tickets to the Broadway show Hamilton, a week-long stay in a premier New Orleans vacation home, dinner for eight at New York’s exclusive Rao’s restaurant, NFL tickets for Giants vs. Green Bay, and more – can be found at charitybuzz.com/support/newyorkfoundling and will be live through next Wednesday, October 9.

Gala honoree Gregory B. Braca – a long-time New York Foundling supporter, philanthropist and President and CEO of TD Bank,was recognized for his tireless devotion to community service and support. In his remarks, Braca noted, “I’m humbled and honored to help The New York Foundling celebrate its 150th anniversary. They do tremendous work every day in the community, especially for some of our most vulnerable citizens. The Foundling has always had a personal significance for me and my family and a special place in my heart for the good that they do. Congratulations on 150 years and here’s to 150 more!”

Keynote Speakers // Program Highlights:

  • Spectrum NY1 Anchor, Pat Kiernan – host for the evening – highlighted the many ways that The New York Foundling  serves New Yorkers noting that the organization  touches the lives of more than 30,000 people every year including children in foster care, families working to stay together, teens facing jail time, men and women with developmental disabilities, young people working toward a college degree, and much more
  • Bill Baccaglini, President & CEO of NY Foundling gave a heartfelt toast to the Sisters of Charity and shared an overview of The Foundling’s impact through its 150-year history…  He noted that “Today [The Foundling] is about giving people the chance to live their best lives, keeping kids safe, and making sure that our work is research-backed and evidence-based. And we think we’re pretty good at it.”
  • The Foundling showcased a surprise welcome / greeting from host of NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers – Seth Meyers.  Host Pat Kiernan later noted that Bill had met his Meyer’s father on the golf course, and talked to him at length about the Foundling’s work
  • Gregory B. Braca, President and CEO of TD Bank and the night’s honoree, said: “I’m truly humbled to help The New York Foundling celebrate its 150th anniversary. They do tremendous work every day in the community, especially for some of our most vulnerable citizens.  The Foundling has always had a personal significance for me and my family and a special place in my heart for the good that they do.”
  • Nadia Owens, Member of The Foundling’s Board of Trustees and Managing Director at KPMG, said: “I’m a Foundling trustee, but also “Foundling Family” in another way – as a teenager, I was a participant in The Foundling’s Mother and Child Program, where I lived with my daughter until I graduated from high school and entered the workforce. Joining the Board of Trustees was my opportunity to support The Foundling as it empowers the next generation.”

Additional Special Guests:

  • Bob King, Chairman of The New York Foundling’s Board of Trustees; Sister (Sr.) Donna Dodge, Sisters of Charity President; Sr. Carol Barnes, NY Foundling Board Member, Former Sisters of Charity President; David Hansell, Administration for Children’s ServicesCommissioner; Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Catholic Charities; Eric Brettschneider Administration of Children’s Services Deputy Commissioner; Saroya Friedman-Gonzalez, New Yorkers for Children Executive Director and leaders from New York City nonprofits and charities including: Catholic Guardian Services, Mercy First, Sheltering Arms, Good Shepherd Services, Children’s Village, Nora Kobrenik of Tartarus Magazine and more.