NEW YORK – (May 11, 2016) – The success of recording artist Dionne Warwick’s is the stuff of legend--five Grammy Awards, nearly 70 Billboard Hot 100 charted hit singles, more than 100 million records sold – she is one of the most successful female American singers of the 20th century. Warwick will return to the New York stage on May 19 at the New York State Society of CPAs’ (nysscpa.org) Foundation for Accounting Education Moynihan Fund Gala, which supports the scholarship and education programs of the NYSSCPA.
Warwick, who hails from a family of legendary performers and vocalists (she's the cousin of the late Whitney Houston, niece of Cissy Houston and kin to the revered gospel group, The Drinkard Singers), also has a career history defined by her good works—she was one of the first celebrities to lend their name in the fight against HIV/AIDS; has served as U.S. Ambassador of Health and a UN Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization; and has raised millions for children’s hospitals, disaster relief and, most importantly, education. In 1997, her East Orange elementary school in New Jersey was renamed in her honor: the Dionne Warwick Institute for Economics and Entrepreneurship.
It is a fitting tribute for Warwick’s years of supporting various causes and charities that she headline an event that raises funds in support of the Society’s Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program. COAP, founded in 1987, is a college readiness program aimed at students of color, which have historically underrepresented in the accounting profession.
The May 19 event includes an intimate concert with Dionne Warwick, open bar, cocktails and dinner catered by celebrity chef Abigail Kirsch. Tickets can be purchased at https://moynihanfundgala.eventbrite.com.
“Proceeds from the gala will allow us to expand our Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession program for high school juniors as well as enable the Society to increase the number of academic scholarships we make available for college students,” said NYSSCPA President Joseph Falbo Jr., CPA, and a partner at Tronconi Segarra & Associates.
In the past six years, the NYSSCPA has awarded $1.1 million to future accountants and aspiring CPAs.
Also during the event, honored guest Frank K. Ross, CPA, of the Howard University School of Business Center for Accounting Education, will be presented with the NYSSCPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts to promote diversity within the accounting profession.
Incoming NYSSCPA President F. Michael Zovistoski, CPA, and managing director at UHY LLP; and other new members of the NYSSCPA’s Board of Directors will also be installed.
The honorary event chairman of the Gala is Bob Garrett, New York Office Managing Partner, KPMG.
Presenting sponsors for the event ($25,000) include UHY LLP and Crowe Horwath.
Other corporate sponsors ($10,000) include: Eisner Amper, St. John’s University, Gibgot Willenbacher & Co.; and ($5,000) First Niagara, Capell Barnett, Matalon & Schoenfeld, Cohn Reznick, Camico, RSM, Cohen & Steers, Tronconi Segarra & Associates and Sheridan Communications.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact C.J. Orr at 212.424.1920 or via email at cjorr@nysscpa.org.
The Moynihan Fund is named after the late David J. Moynihan who died suddenly in January 2015 after succumbing to cancer. The Fund was created to honor his memory and carry forward his passion of helping young people excel in their education and careers.
Contact Alonza Robertson, arobertson@nysscpa.org, 212.719.8405 for more information or interview requests.
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