Photos from the event: 

This year's honorees:

• Suzanne Davis: In 2002, Suzanne retired as an administrator with the New York City Board of Education. Looking for a meaningful post-retirement engagement, a friend and long-time Sanctuary supporter referred Suzanne to us as a potential place to volunteer her time.  It was a perfect match - Suzanne has been volunteering for five years at Sarah Burke House, Sanctuary’s large shelter for domestic violence victims in the Bronx. She started her volunteer tenure by teaching computer classes to groups of shelter residents who were entering or re-entering the work force.  The classes have continued and the skills she passes on to her students are priceless. Suzanne also tutors two children each week and assists staff with service tracking systems. Wherever she is needed, Suzanne is willing and happy to assist.   



 



• Dr. John McIvor: Dr. McIvor is the Director of After-School Programs and Director of Community Service at the Horace Mann School in Riverdale. Each December, John oversees the production of a student-run party for 250-300 Sanctuary clients and their children. This annual event has been happening for 20 years and for the past 11 years, John has strengthened the relationship between the school and Sanctuary for Families. He coordinates over 200 student volunteers, parent committees and staff to provide Sanctuary clients and their children with a hot meal, crafts, an appearance by Santa, ice cream sundaes, an overflowing cookie bar, and gift bags for all.  At the end of the evening, the students present Sanctuary with a generous gift that can be used to benefit our clients.
  
  In addition to this annual holiday tradition, groups of Horace Mann students volunteer throughout the year at Sarah Burke House. Dr. McIvor recently announced that he will be providing a scholarship for one young student from Sanctuary to attend Horace Mann’s Summer on the Hill, a prestigious after-school enrichment program. Dr. McIvor is a steadfast supporter of Sanctuary’s work to end domestic violence, and we are so grateful for his involvement. 
  

• Anna Harrington: For nearly a decade, Anna has volunteered her time with Sanctuary to spearhead the entire creative plan for our large annual 1,600 person benefit, Zero Tolerance. Anna first attended Zero Tolerance in 2001, and was inspired to join the 2002 benefit committee where she quickly put her creative talents to work. She soon became a chair of the benefit committee, doing everything in her power to make sure the benefit looked amazing. The work she put in was for a one-day event, but the planning was almost year-round.  Anna is able to invent something from almost nothing, and year after year she created the most amazing centerpieces for the event on a shoestring budget. To this day, Anna always ensures that we have donations for our silent auction and raffle in addition to her hands-on involvement. She also began the tradition of hand-crafted gift bags at Zero Tolerance - first through her company Deadly Squire, and now through her friend and current employer Lauren Merkin. Anna’s commitment and passion for Sanctuary are infectious, and we are grateful for the legions of supporters she has brought to our cause.  
  

• Jennifer Friedland: Jennifer has been a supporter of Sanctuary’s work for over a decade, and she began volunteering her time with Sanctuary over four years ago.  Over those years, she has expanded her involvement with the agency tenfold.  Jen ensures that our children’s program has art supplies, and that our back to school party has a wonderful host organization. She uses her professional skills as an attorney to benefit our Legal Center, makes sure client families’ wish lists are fulfilled during the holidays, hosts in-store shopping days at Clyde’s on Madison, and is an active member of Sanctuary’s Mothers Council. She does all of this with a smile on her face, and always tells us that she wishes she could be doing even more. We are so thankful for all that she has done and continues to do for Sanctuary and the families we serve. 

Last year's volunteer honorees:

• Gina Gibney: For the innovative dance and movement workshops that the Gina Gibney Dance Company has run for the women and children served by Sanctuary.
• Angela Karides: For her dedication tutoring, serving as a volunteer children’s group leader, helping with special events, and serving on the Zero Tolerance Benefit and Dinner Committee.
• Maggie Romine: For her tireless coordination of Citi’s volunteer work with Sanctuary.
• MK Wong: For her long-time commitment and dedication to planning Sanctuary’s Zero Tolerance Benefit.