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De Blasio Administration Marks End of National Volunteer Month by Celebrating Top New York City Volunteers

April 30, 2018

NEW YORKToday, First Lady Chirlane McCray and NYC Chief Service Officer Paula Gavin held a ceremony at Gracie Mansion to recognize over 400 New Yorkers who volunteered 500 hours or more of their time to serve their communities. They also honored over two dozen businesses that engaged at least 20 percent of their New York City based employees as volunteers in 2017 through the Mayoral Service Recognition Program.

The Mayoral Service Recognition Program recognizes New Yorkers who engage in at least 100 hours of volunteer service a year and businesses that engage at least 20 percent of their NYC-based employees in volunteerism. In 2017, nearly 5,000 residents each contributed over 100 hours of volunteer service.

“Volunteers play a critical role in making New York City the fairest big city in the world,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I want to thank all the New Yorkers who take the time to get involved in their communities and help their neighbors.”

“This is a City government that believes in the power of service to others, and I am honored to celebrate these outstanding New Yorkers,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “In immeasurable ways, volunteers help us build stronger communities —by helping young people discover the magic of the arts, serving a meal to a family in need, cleaning up our parks, or encouraging their employees in volunteerism — and their service makes a difference for thousands of New Yorkers. I am always inspired by their acts of kindness and extraordinary commitment.”

“NYC Service is proud to connect New Yorkers with meaningful opportunities to give back and address critical needs in our City,” said NYC Chief Service Officer Paula Gavin. “Every April, during National Volunteer Month, we welcome the City’s top volunteers and celebrate their contributions to recognize them for their service and inspire others to be active in their communities. Now is our time to say Thank You, and remind the city that we are 8.6 Million New Yorkers. Together, Serving Each Other.”

Business that engaged at least 20 percent of New York City based employees in volunteer service:

AIG

Deutsche Bank

Macquarie Group

New York Life Insurance

AlphaSights

DigitalOcean

Macy’s

Nielsen

American Express

EY

MUFG

New York City Football Club

Axis Capital

Franklin Templeton Investments

Marsh & McLennan

RSM US LLP

Barclays

Guggenheim Partners

Mizuho Americas

Salesforce

Brookfield

HBO

Moody’s Corporation

SL Green Realty 

Citi

Kenneth Cole Productions

Morgan Stanley

Studio 360

Credit Suisse

Lloyds Bank

Neuberger Berman

Turner Construction

Deloitte

M&T Bank

New York Mets

UBS

 

 

 

Viacom

NYC Service is also releasing its 2017 NYC Volunteers Count report, an annual volunteer inventory highlighting the impact of more than 1 million volunteers serving with over 450 organizations across the five boroughs including community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, and hospitals. Nearly half of the 1 million who served were public school students who participated in community service and service-learning during the 2016-2017 school year through the Service in Schools program, a Department of Education and NYC Service partnership.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community and their dedication to volunteerism connects businesses, residents and institutions together in service to others,” said New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright. “The Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island are neighborhoods of world-class medical institutions, schools and committed neighbors and I want to thank First Lady Chirlane McCray and NYC Service for giving our volunteers the recognition they rightfully deserve.”

“One thing I love about our city is how we come together and help one another," said NYC Council Member Stephen Levin. "I applaud the continued work NYC Service fosters throughout New York and hope to see more of our volunteers, our heroes, get the attention and resources they deserve.”
“I am so grateful and honored for the recognition,” said Godni Amir, Top NYC Volunteer and Founder of A Free Bird Organization. “I think it's very helpful and important to be recognized by the Office of the Mayor through NYC Service. It has a great impact on the organization and it motivates others to also volunteer and contribute to the community.”

“We recognize our volunteer members in April of every year for their continued service and commitment to our Senior Center,” said Simon Liao, Program Manager for Henry Street Settlement Senior Center. “However, being recognized through the Annual Mayoral Service Recognition Program, is very meaningful to our volunteers who have completed 100+ hours; they are appreciative of the extra recognition from the City.”

“Maimonides Medical Center has one of the largest Volunteer Departments in the city with over 1,800 volunteers annually who come from diversified ethnic and cultural backgrounds giving freely of their time, expertise and compassion to our patients and providing invaluable support for our staff,” said Alla Zats, Director of Volunteer and Student Services at Maimonides Medical Center. “Every year, we hold a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon for all our volunteers.  However, the Mayoral Service Recognition Program enhances the volunteer experience and boosts their morale. It also encourages them to continue volunteering and helping others.”

“We are extremely proud of our workforce engagement numbers that continue to grow each year,” said Heather Nesle, President, New York Life Foundation. “We hope our involvement will encourage others to support fellow New Yorkers that need a helping hand. The Mayoral Service Recognition Program is a powerful way to let deserving volunteers know their time and talents are significant and appreciated.”

About NYC Service
NYC Service, a division of the Office of the Mayor, promotes volunteerism, engages New Yorkers in service, builds volunteer capacity, and mobilizes the power of volunteers and national service members to impact New York City's greatest needs. To learn more about NYC Service and connect to volunteer opportunities across New York City, visit nyc.gov/service.

Media Contact

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