Contact: Colleen Roche or Kim Serafin (212) 788-2958
“Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square -- in the heart of the most exciting City in the world -- is one of New York City’s most time honored traditions. It provides an exciting, safe and free way to ring in the New Year. The presence this year of Oseola McCarty, a true American hero, adds a wonderful element to a very special celebration,” said Mayor Giuliani. “I’m sure all New Yorkers join me in applauding her generosity and selflessness. We are proud to have Miss McCarty in New York to usher in the New Year.”
Ms. McCarty will begin 1997 at the Crossroads of the World in Times Square, joining more than half-a-million New Year’s Eve revelers. She will flip the switch to activate the laser light that causes the Ball to descend. Ms. McCarty gained national attention after donating her life savings of $150,000, which she saved during a lifetime of washing and ironing, to a scholarship fund at the University of Southern Mississippi.