Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani tonight hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion in honor of The Mickey Mantle Foundation, an organization founded in 1995 by Yankee legend Mickey Mantle to increase the awareness of and encourage organ donations.
The Mayor presented Frank Torre, brother of New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre, with the first Street & Smith's Mickey Mantle Foundation Courage Award for championing the cause of organ donation following his successful heart transplant in October 1996.
"Each year more than 40,000 Americans nationwide await organ transplants, but sadly many of them will die before one becomes available," said Mayor Giuliani. "The Mickey Mantle Foundation is typical of the spirit of Mickey, a true American hero to virtually everyone who ever watched him play ball and whose legacy includes his tireless advocacy on behalf of organ and tissue donation.
"Tonight we honor Frank Torre who has been given the gift of life and who now works to raise public awareness about the importance of organ donations. I'm sure Mickey would be proud to know Frank continues this important work and that his Foundation is leading the way in promoting organ donation," the Mayor concluded.
Sal Schiliro, Publisher of Street & Smith's and a sponsor of tonight's reception, said, "It's important for people to realize the significance of organ donations and how easy it is to become an organ donor. By simply filling out an organ donation card an individual can save a life. I'm proud to say I'm a registered organ donor and I encourage others to register."
Mickey Mantle began his baseball career in 1951 with the New York Yankees and remained with the team until he retired in 1968. During the course of his famed 18-year career, "The Mick" played in 14 World Series and was named the American League's Most Valuable Player three times (1956, 1957 and 1962). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
The Mayor was joined at this evening's reception by, Danny Mantle, Executive Director of The Mickey Mantle Foundation and son of the Yankee legend, Sal Schiliro, Publisher of Street & Smith's a leading publisher of annual sports publications, leading transplant surgeon Dr. Dale Distant, and New York Yankee Catcher Jorge Posada.
This year's reception is being catered by some of New York City's best restaurants including: Avenue, Brasserie Americaine, DaNico's, Egg Farm Dairy, Heartbeat, Michael's, Mickey Mantle's, New York Restaurant School, Patsy Pizza and Roy's of Hawaii. Austin Nichols, Barton Beers, Brooklyn Brewery, Kobrick's Coffee and Teton Glacier Vodka will provide the beverages.