After the tragedy of 9/11, New York City absorbed such a large portion of all charitable donations that many local non-profits struggled to reach their own goals. In response, Harlan Diamond and Executive Caterers rededicated their December Corporate Club luncheon to the support of local charities, especially smaller organizations without substantial resources of their own.
That first Philanthropia saw 200 guests and raised $9,000. In 2007 it had outgrown the Grand Ballroom, spilled into the Lander Ballroom, and with over 1200 guests they raised over $128,000. Each year's community response is bigger and better.
Charles Klass and Leon Bibb explain Philanthropia
As you can see from the giant check held by MC Leon Bibb, the 2010 Philanthropia raised $141,905 for local charities. Congratulations to Harlan Diamond and his team for another outstanding community event.
The event began with networking and socializing, and delicious tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches appetizers. Then the over 1000 guests were greeted by the Singing Angels as they entered the festively decorated ballroom.
The Singing Angels
A delicious lunch, some inspirational speeches and a raffle were next on the agenda. Before the Singing Angels performance, Pepper Pike Mayor Bruce Akers thanked Philanthropia visionary Harlan Diamond for his efforts.
Pepper Pike Mayor Bruce Akers
This led to a well-deserved standing ovation for Mr Diamond from the audience.
Harlan Diamond
The Singing Angels then performed a terrific set of holiday music.
O Holy Night
A song for Hanukkah
The Singing Angels got the entire crowd singing along and came down into the audience to meet the people and encourage participation.
Debbie and Pat Hanson with Singing Angel Joe
FICA President Mona Alag
Paramjit Singh and Debbie Hanson
Congratulations to Harlan Diamond and his team for another outstanding community event. Enjoy these other photos from Philanthropia 2011.
The Invocation
Master of Ceremonies Leon Bibb
Ladies from the Phi Delta Kappa - Alpha Xi Chapter
One of the Project Seva tables - Seated are Dr Santosh Kalhan, Nisha Jain, Mona Alag and Jagdish Dhameja. Standing are Mr Surinder Kampani and Dr Shanta Kampani
Friend Evel with Violet and David Spevack
Lynne McMahon, Pat Hanson and Dan Hanson
Elite Women around the World table
Robert Roche from the American Indian Educational Center
Ramesh and Jaya Shah
Another Project Seva table - Standing are Michael Sreshta and Dr Shanta Kampani. Seated are Robert and Mrs Roche and Paramjit and Linda Singh
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