Release #213-97

Contact: Colleen Roche or Brenda Perez (212) 788-3256

MAYOR GIULIANI RECEIVES PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD AT THE BOYS' CLUB OF NEW YORK'S 62nd ANNUAL SPRING DANCE

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani tonight received the 1997 Public Service Award at the Boys' Club of New York's 62nd Annual Spring Dance at the Plaza Hotel. The Mayor was joined by Jesus Manuel Guerrios and Labeeb Abboud, two Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program participants, who presented the Mayor with the 1997 Public Service Award for his support of the program.

"I commend the Boys' Club of New York for its 120 years tradition of helping underprivileged children and youngsters with education, recreation and health services," said Mayor Giuliani. "And I thank all of the concerned New Yorkers who have kept this tradition alive by contributing their time, skills and economic resources to provide hope, caring and opportunities to youngsters in need.

"It is an honor to receive this Public Service Award from the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Program, one of the Boys' Club's services closest to my heart. At a time when our youngsters are threatened by broken families, drugs, teenage pregnancies and gangs, the guidance and the encouragement of an older brother or sister can truly make a difference in a child's life," the Mayor concluded.

The Mayor received the 1997 Public Service Award from 15-year-old Jesus Manuel (Manny), Guerrios and his Big Brother Labeeb Abboud. They are celebrating their second year together in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program.