Westchester Resident Emma Byrne Rooney Chairs New
York City Gala Charity Gala 2009 to Help Save
Babies' Lives First Candle, a leading national
nonprofit dedicated to safe pregnancies and the
survival of babies during the first years of life,
today announced plans for its annual premier
fundraising event Charity Gala 2009. Being held at
Tribeca Rooftop beginning at 7:00 p.m. on October
22, the event brings together individuals, companies
and business leaders interested in the health and
well-being of our nation's most precious citizens .
. . our children, our future. Emma Byrne Rooney,
daughter-in-law of Dan Rooney (owner of the
Pittsburgh Steelers and Ambassador to Ireland) is
the chair of this year's event. Guests will enjoy
cocktails, dinner and dancing, as well as a live and
silent auction.
Proceeds will be used to support research, education
and family support services nationwide. The gala was
founded by another Westchester resident, Esmeralda
Williamson Noble. "Since the death of my daughter
Fiona in 2004, there is nothing I am more passionate
about than helping ensure that every baby is given
the best possible chance to reach not only his or
her first birthday, but many happy birthdays
beyond," said Byrne-Rooney. "I am honored to serve
as chair of this important event, supporting First
Candle's vision of a future where all babies survive
and thrive." According to the most recent statistics
available, the United States has one of the highest
infant mortality rates in the world.
More than 26,000 American babies never reach their
first birthday. Among these, the leading cause of
death is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In
addition, more than 26,000 babies are stillborn each
year, dying before ever taking their first breath.
"First Candle is committed to doing all we can to
prevent as many of these deaths as possible," said
Marian Sokol, president of First Candle. "We applaud
Emma for her courage in dedicating her time and
energy to raise funds so that other babies might
live. It is with increased awareness and funding
that we stand to gain the most in our fight against
stillbirth, SIDS and other sudden, unexpected infant
deaths (SUID)." This year's Gala will honor several
individuals whose dedication has gone above and
beyond in supporting First Candle's important
mission: Ms. Patty Stonesifer, former CEO of the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and current senior
advisor to trustees Bill and Melinda Gates and
Warren Buffet, for her belief that every baby should
have a safe place to sleep. Mr. Jeffrey R. Lewis,
President and COO of the Heinz Family Philanthropies
and chief of staff for Teresa Heinz Kerry, for his
support of First Candle's Kicks Count! Campaign.
Print materials and radio public service
announcements (PSAs) have been developed, including
a PSA that features Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff
Reid. Kick counting is being recognized as the first
proactive strategy that may help reduce the risk of
stillbirth.
Summer Infant, a leader in the juvenile products
field and a long-time supporter of First Candle, for
its support of First Candle's programs – having
raised more than $270,000 for the charity. A few of
the auction items available include vacation
packages to Belize, Hawaii and Telluride, an NFL
Pro-Bowl package and an autographed Derek Jeter
jersey. Formerly the Windflower Ball, donations may
still be directed to the Alexander Williamson Noble
Memorial Fund in honor of its founder, Esmeralda
Williamson Noble.
More information on the event, including tickets,
tables, sponsorship opportunities and donations, can
be found at
www.firstscandle.org. A limited number of press
passes are available upon request. First Candle is a
leading national nonprofit dedicated to safe
pregnancies and the survival of babies through the
first years of life. This mission is accomplished
with programs of research, education and advocacy,
while at the same time providing compassionate grief
support to all those affected by the death of a
baby. Recently given a 4-star ranking by Charity
Navigator, America's premier independent charity
evaluator, First Candle meets all requirements as
set forth by the Better Business Bureau and is
listed in its Wise Giving Guide. The American
Institute of Philanthropy ranks First candle as one
of the nation's top charities worthy of donor
support. For more information on how to help your
baby survive and thrive, to access grief support or
to make a donation, please visit
www.firstcandle.org or call 1.800.221.7437.