Support Connection Announces Annual Spirit Awards

Support Connection, Inc. has announced the recipients of their 2011 Spirit Awards. The awards are given each year to honor those who contribute to the organization’s mission by providing inspiration, time, talent and other resources.

The award presentation will take place during Support Connection’s 14th Annual Gala on Saturday, April 16, at Colonial Terrace, 119 Oregon Rd. in Cortlandt Manor.

Here are the statements from Support Connection and this year’s Spirit Award recipients:

SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARDS: Gerri Babiarz, Amawalk, NY; Linda John, Amawalk, NY; Carmen Marrinan, Wappinger Falls: Honored for being an inspiration to cancer survivors. By taking their own experiences and translating it into an opportunity to reach out to others and raise awareness, they give people the tools to find their inner strength.

MARIA RUBINO JENNINGS SPIRIT OF CARING AWARD: Mike and Susan Dardano, Tuckahoe: Honored for embodying Maria’s spirit of kindness and caring. By participating in the events and informing people about the services, Mike and Susan’s generosity has helped touch many lives.

SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY: Co- Communications, Mount Kisco; The GYM, Armonk: Honored for their dedication, support and commitment and the community. By promoting the Walk and holding events on the organization's behalf, their generosity has translated into raising awareness as well as funds to support programs and services.

SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD: Vinny Gavigan, Gavigan Graphic Designs, Yorktown Heights: Honored for his creativity in helping reach out to the community and helping promote events. Due to his talents and efforts, the organization has gained new ways to reach people in need of support. 

SPIRIT OF GIVING AWARD: Tiffany’s All At Once Foundation, Dobbs Ferry: Honored for their power of love and caring. Founded in memory of their daughter Tiffany, this foundation makes a difference in the day-to-day lives of other families dealing with cancer.

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR: Mark Franzoso, Franzoso Contracting, Croton-on-Hudson: Honored for his continuous support of programs throughout the years. He has the attributes of a person who cares about making the world and his community a better place. 

To purchase tickets to the Gala, contact Michelle DeIeso, Support Connection, at 914-962-6402, michelle.deieso@supportconnection.org. Tickets are $125 per person or $1100 for a table of 10. All proceeds benefit Support Connection’s free breast and ovarian cancer support services.