NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

VIRTUAL AWARDS GALA - DECEMBER 8, 2021

BUY YOUR SPONSORSHIPS NOW AND DONATE

The formal event will last from 6:30 to 8:00 PM with a post gala virtual reception at 8 - 9 PM.

Our sixth annual awards event will once again be a virtual format given that our traditional in person dinner is ill advised during the Pandemic. We also think there are some benefits to do the awards event virtually since we can better showcase our sponsors and our awardees. We suggest that what people might have spent on a dinner plus, travel and lodging could be contributed to the Council.

The Gala will highlight the powerful and life changing ministries of the New York State Council of Churches. The event will highlight our purpose to embrace a spirit of ecumenism and hospitality, to live into God’s call to do justice and to love our neighbor. Together we bridge the sacred and the secular to point to the Kingdom of God on earth, as we envision a world where the marginalized are freed from poverty, where prisoners can be restored to live happier and healthier lives, and where we help people of all ages grow in their Christian discipleship.

The gala will be held virtually on Wednesday, December 8 beginning at 6:30 PM.

Please register for this zoom event here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

We ask that you please consider purchasing a sponsorship between $125 and $5,000 to support the New York State Council of Churches. Please let us know if you can be a sponsor by November 30, so that we can include you in the production. We describe the levels of sponsorship below.

Supporter Level Sponsorship for $125.00

          A thank you listed in a gala page on our website

Ally Level Sponsorship for $250.00

          A thank you listed in a gala page on our website, plus a listing in the video closing credits

Sustainer Level Sponsorship for $500.00

          A thank you listed in a gala page on our website, plus a listing in the video closing credits, including a logo

Empowerment Level Sponsorship for $1000.00

          A thank you listed in a gala page on our website, plus a verbal thank you by the host in the gala video

Partner Level Sponsorship for $2500.00

          A thank you listed in a gala page on our website, plus a verbal thank you by the host in the gala video, plus a thank you on our social media platforms.

In addition, we will show your pre-produced video of your organization as part of the virtual production.

Visionary Level Sponsorship for $5000.00

          A thank you listed in a gala page on our website, plus a verbal thank you by the host in the gala video, plus a thank you on our social media platforms and a dedicated e-blast.

In addition, we will show your pre-produced video of your organization as part of the virtual production.

Individual, organization and congregation gifts also welcome:

In addition to the listed sponsorships, we welcome any donation amount from individuals, congregations, denominations, organizations, etc. Online donations welcome at this link. You may also contribute by sending a check to New York State Council of Churches 85 Chestnut Street, Albany, NY 12210.

With your donation in advance and we will list your name at the gala. Gifts of $125 we can list you as an individual sponsor. If you give during the gala we will list your name in the chat in real time.

We will be presenting awards in the following categories:

Excellence in Affordable Housing and Sustainable Community Development Award

Bishop Dr. R. C. Hugh Nelson, Senior Pastor, Church of God of East Flatbush

Partnering with Brisa Builders Development, Church of God of East Flatbush completed 315 units of affordable housing in the neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn New York as part of their Ebeneezer Plaza development.

The Reverend Dr. William Shillady and The United Methodist City Society

Partnering with The Bronx Pro Group, United Methodist City Society just completed a 12 story senior housing development which includes 154 units, 57 of them are for transitional homeless, formerly justice involved seniors, with the Fortune Society providing on site services.

Excellence in Chaplaincy Award

The Reverend Bruce Hersey, Chaplain at Hale Creek Correctional Facility, Johnstown NY, a volunteer chaplain for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and as a Chaplain Director in NENY for the New York Chaplain Task Force.

Excellence in Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Award

Dr. Muhammed Shafiq is the Executive Director of the Brian and Jean Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue and professor of Islamic and religious studies at Nazareth College.

Excellence in Social Justice Award

Ron Deutsch, New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness

Gail Myers, Deputy Director, New York StateWide Senior Action Council

Excellence in Union, Community Organizing, and Worker Advocacy Award

New York Taxi Workers Alliance