Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
"The Holiday Season in New York City is a wonderful time to celebrate life, to give thanks and to share our good fortunes with others," said Mayor Giuliani. "Hale House has been a wonderful example of this spirit for the past 30 years, and I want to thank Dr. Hale for caring for these very special children. She has been steadfast in her commitment to help children from all walks of life and has inspired us to remember the true meaning of Christmas - not just during the Holiday Season, but throughout the year."
The Mayor listened to Christmas carols sung by the children before reading them the Christmas classic ' Twas The Night Before Christmas, which was written by New York City native Clement Clarke Moore on December 23, 1822.
Clara "Mother" Hale founded Hale House 30 years ago in Harlem. Throughout her extraordinary life, she was universally praised for her efforts to support individuals and families affected by drugs and illness, and for giving them strength and the stability to help themselves.