Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
"Every child needs and deserves a stable and loving family life," Mayor Giuliani said. "Your support today will help improve their lives and brighten their futures. We're now seeing a tremendous interest among New Yorkers in helping to make our City a better place for children. This evening's event hosted by the Yankees embodies this winning spirit. Thanks to the efforts of the players and their wives, proceeds from this event will fund educational and recreational programs for youngsters in the care of ACS."
"We are very pleased and grateful to have the New York Yankees support the children in the care of the Administration for Children's Services," Commissioner Scoppetta said. "We are especially grateful to Kerri and Jim Leyritz for all of the work they have done on behalf of the New Yorkers for Children Foundation."
Every year, the Yankees and their wives host a dinner and silent auction for a charitable organization. The players and their wives not only sponsor the benefit but are the event's waiters and bartenders. Kerri Leyritz, the wife of catcher Jim Leyritz has led Yankees' efforts this year to assist ACS.
The New Yorkers for Children Organization was created to provide educational programs and recreational activities for youngsters in ACS's care. The foundation will also establish college scholarships for youths who are in foster care homes. A percentage of this evening's proceeds will also go to the Edwin Gould Agency, an agency responsible for many of the City's foster children.