Bill Gray, second from left, is flanked by ARC/GNY Chief Response Officer Scott Graham Scott Graham, ARC/GNY CEO Theresa A. Bischoff, and Marshall Schwarz, a member of the Board of Governors of the National American Red Cross. (Photo: PhotoBureau)

More than 650 people were on hand at the 2008 New York Red Cross Ball on Wednesday, April 2, at the World Financial Center Winter Garden in lower Manhattan as the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) presented its Humanitarian Award to William Gray, Chairman of the New York Chapter's Board of Trustees since 2002.

Mr. Gray, Co-CEO, Ogilvy North America, stepped into the role of Chairman shortly after September 11th. For the past six years, he has served as the organization"s chairman of the Board of Trustees, helping expand and grow the Red Cross mission in New York during a critical time in its history.

"Bill has been an inspiration to our employees and volunteers as he has helped us expand community preparedness and assess our readiness to respond to the eight to 10 emergencies that occur here every day while preparing to provide critical humanitarian care should a catastrophic event occur in our region,” said ARC/GNY CEO Theresa A. Bischoff. In accepting the award, Mr. Gray said he was “Humbled, flattered and honored.” He thanked the Chapter’s board, staff, volunteers and supporters for the work they do. “There is no greater cause in life than helping victims of disaster,” he said.

Later in the evening, Rosemary W. Mackey, ARC/GNY’s Chief External Affairs Officer, presented the Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award to William H. Weed, outgoing vice-chairman of the ARC/GNY Board of Trustees, and a distinguished member of the Board for 22 years. Mr. Weed said, “It pleases me enormously to thank all of you for supporting this wonderful organization.”

ARC/GNY’s Chief External Affairs Officer Rosemary W. Mackey, and ARC/GNY Humanitarian Award Winner Bill Gray (far right) present William H. Weed with the Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo: PhotoBureau)

Three-time Grammy nominee singer/songwriter/pianist Vanessa Carlton ended the evening by performing a medley of her songs.

Government, entertainment and business leaders in attendance to honor Bill Gray included Michael Balboni, Deputy Secretary for Public Safety for New York State, Joe Bruno, Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management, Councilman David Yassky of Brooklyn, Councilwoman Jessica Lappin of Manhattan, Councilman David Weprin of Queens, Maury Povich and Connie Chung, and Vera Wang.

The Ball, which included a live auction of donated items including dinner and wine at renowned restaurants Le Bernardin, Skybox at DANIEL, and more, raised more than $1.64 million to help ARC/GNY, the largest Red Cross chapter in the United States, to respond to more than 3,000 fires, blackouts, floods and other emergencies each year and to train New Yorkers in lifesaving skills and preparedness.

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ARC/GNY CEO Theresa Bischoff and fashion designer Vera Wang. (Photo: PhotoBureau)

L to R: Singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton, honoree Bill Gray and ARC/GNY CEO Theresa Bischoff. (Photo: PhotoBureau)

L to R: Centennial Circle members Amanda Pullinger and Vicki Downey, with Centennial Circle Member and ARC/GNY Chief External Affairs Officer Rosemary W. Mackey. Created in 2007, the Centennial Circle is comprised of women leaders from business and community organizations throughout Greater New York who wish to help raise every New Yorker’s level of preparedness. (Photo: Anita Salzberg)