Boys and Girls Harbor 13th Annual Salute to Achievement Honors Anthony Tony Drexel Duke A Lifetime of Service to Democracy



May 11, 2005 -- Boys & Girls Harbor honored founder Anthony Drexel Duke at its 13th Annual Salute to Achievement held May 10 at the Waldorf-Astoria. Dignitaries from the worlds of society, education, finance, politics, and the arts gathered to salute Duke who founded this youth development institution in 1937.

"We are here to pay tribute to Tony Duke who has dedicated his life to the education of children," said Hans E. Hageman, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Harbor. "Tony's dream will come full circle this year with the launch of the Carey-Harbor High School in East Harlem. Our continuing commitment is to provide underserved youth with all the advantages of a fine education, as well as a safety net and community they can rely on."

What Duke started as a summer camp for low-income immigrant boys in 1937 at the age of 19, has grown to encompass pre-school, a Charter School, a Performing Arts Conservatory, and an array of educational and social services helping young people develop healthy, productive lives.

"We are indeed fortunate to receive the heartfelt support of so many men, women, foundations and corporations," said Tony Duke. "Their great generosity enables us to create a nurturing environment that serves the young people of Harlem, giving them the tools and skills to achieve their goals and become responsible members of society. I am especially grateful to Hans Hageman who is carrying on my legacy of education and youth development. He is a remarkable man, a native of East Harlem, whose belief in generosity of spirit is matched only by his own capacity to care about others. He is the perfect mentor and role model for young people today."

The evening's festivities included the 4th Annual Gift of Life Auction, proceeds of which will be donated to the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, a live auction chaired by Sotheby's Jaime Niven, and video tributes by President George H.W. Bush and Mayor Bloomberg. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Harbor's diverse educational, cultural, and social service programs.

CBS' Lesley Stahl was Emcee. Distinguished speakers included President Richard H. Brodhead of Duke University, Julian H. Robertson, Jr., Chairman, Tiger Management Corporation, and the Reverend Calvin O. Butts, III, Pastor of The Abyssinian Baptist Church. The Honorable Robin Chandler Duke, Rusty Staub, Lisa de Kooning, Pamela Fiori, and Lyor Cohen were among the guests.

Boys & Girls Harbor was founded by Anthony Drexel Duke in 1937. Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Hans E. Hageman, Esq., the Harbor empowers children and their families to become full, productive participants in society through education, cultural enrichment, and social services. The Harbor's programs help over 4,000 young people each year gain the skills and confidence necessary for success in education, career, community and family life. Boys & Girls Harbor, Inc., One East 104th Street, New York, NY 10029-4495. 212-427-2244. www.theharbor.org





Boys and Girls Harbor 13th Annual Salute to Achievement Honors Anthony Tony Drexel Duke A Lifetime of Service to Democracy