Held in the gorgeous backyard of Sarah and Eddie Gindi’s home, The SAFE Dinner was, as it always is, an educational and thoroughly enjoyable evening. “What can be nicer than spending a summer night at a beautiful house, being served a delicious dinner, and socializing with lovely people in support of an important community organization,” said one guest at the annual fundraising dinner for The SAFE Foundation.
Eddie Gindi, Vice President of The SAFE Foundation, welcomed and thanked everyone for coming out to support The Project SAFE School Program, SAFE’s clinical team of therapists, and of course the many individuals and families who are touched by addiction.
He then spoke about the dinner’s honoree, Mayor Harry I. Franco, A”H, “The SAFE Foundation was fortunate to call Mayor Franco its friend. He believed in our cause, in educating our youth, and in encouraging parents to be active in their children’s lives. He has made calls to SAFE when he was concerned for a specific child or adult and worked in conjunction with SAFE to ensure the safety of our community.”
At that point, the Franco family came to the stage to receive the 2nd Annual Sonny I. Gindi, A”H Merit Award, which was established by the Gindi family in memory and honor of their father, Sonny I. Gindi, A”H, who helped to improve the lives of so many.
After this, screens strategically placed throughout the yard came alive with a film highlighting all that The SAFE Foundation does. The movie camera traveled into Project SAFE classrooms and therapy sessions in the SAFE building. As the people in the film spoke, you could feel their sincerity, intelligence, and confidence.
Joey Cabasso closed the presentation, telling everyone how the SAFE Foundation saved his life. He went on to cite some of SAFE’s statistics:
54% of clients are under the age of 21; 37 % of clients abuse prescription pills; 25% of clients abuse marijuana; 22% of clients abuse alcohol and 16% of clients abuse a combination of other drugs. NY State graduates 34% of its clients. SAFE graduates 75% of its clients.
As the event wound down, guests lingered, enjoying friends, the desserts, and the feeling of knowing that they spent the evening supporting a cause they believe in.
The SAFE Foundation wishes to acknowledge and thank the sponsor of the evening, Bank Hapoalim;party coordinator Norma Cohen, and Sarah and Eddie Gindi and their family for their tremendous efforts in hosting this event.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call our confidential, toll-free hotline, 24/7 at 1-866-569-SAFE (7233). If you have any questions, e-mail: ask@thesafefoundation.org. You can also visit TheSafeFoundation.org.
