Celebrating 20 Years of Service and Counting!

(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The THRIVE Network will host the People Who THRIVE Cocktail Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at Ainsworth Park, 111 East 18th Street, from 6:00pm - 9:00pm and red carpet commences at 6:00pm. Dyrol Joyner, PIX11’s Multi-Emmy Award Winning TV Sports Anchor & Reporter, will emcee the event and present The People Who THRIVE Award to four of New York’s exemplary leaders and humanitarians for their outstanding work with various charities in the community. Award recipients will include:

• Mindy Scheier, Founder of Runway of Dreams – Scheier has worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years, infiltrating the fashion world. Her son, Oliver, was born with Rigid Spine Muscular Dystrophy, causing clothing challenges due to muscle weakness and his inability to dress himself. After spending years in the fashion industry, she decided there was an opportunity to meld her worlds together. Partnering with top brands and retailers – including Tommy Hilfiger and Macy’s – Runway of Dreams aims to integrate wearable technology and design modifications into clothing, making it adaptive and wearable for all.

• Glenn E. Martin, Founder & President of JustLeadershipUSA – Martin is a national leader and dedicated criminal justice reform advocate. After serving six years in prison, Martin devoted himself to elevating and amplifying the voices of people most impacted by crime and incarceration. His organization, JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA), aims to cut the U.S. correctional population in half by 2030 through advocacy campaigns, leadership trainings, and member engagement.

• Howard Cross, New York Giants Super Bowl Champion – Cross is a veteran football analyst who has established a reputation as one of the most insightful commentators in the industry. Currently, Cross is a Senior Managing Director at Cresa, an accomplished public speaker and an active philanthropist who was named the Giants’ 1995 True Value Man of the Year. Cross gives his time to various charities such as: ALS, JDRF, Valerie Fund, Autism Speaks, Autism NJ, The United Way, Wounded Warriors, All 4 Kids Foundation, John Starks Foundation and Close the Gap, to name a few. This year, Cross will also receive the Arthur Ashe Award.

• Tony Richardson, Three-Time Pro Bowler & Two-Time Second-Team All-Pro– Richardson is a former fullback who played in the NFL for sixteen seasons. He is considered one of the best fullbacks in NFL history having blocked for 1,000 yards rushers in nine consecutive NFL seasons. After his NFL career, Richardson dedicated himself to philanthropy. Richardson sponsors The Dictionary Project, which promotes literacy and education for children and also was a host for the Special Olympics Punt, Pass and Kick competition in Kansas City, from 1999 to 2005. Currently, he serves as the Coordinator for the NFL Legends Community, serving as a central resource for players to learn about programs and benefits available to them, while supporting various charities.

“Although we are celebrating 20 Years of Abilities, our public service efforts in assisting people live with dignity, respect and independence remain strong. From EDCSPIN to The THRIVE Network - from an apartment in Brooklyn to multi - boroughs throughout New York City - from supporting 10 people to now over twelve hundred - and with 5 committed employees to 600+ team members, this is still only the beginning of where our organization will continue to impact and influence service delivery systems. All of us at THRIVE, do not take for granted the privilege we have to serve and understand there are many hurdles to fight for equality, access and opportunity for those with disabilities and other disenfranchised groups. I am delighted to honor these remarkable luminaries, whose stewardship and philanthropic endeavors continue to set a precedent in civic service, focusing on the betterment of people and community,” says Charles A. Archer, Founder & CEO, The THRIVE Network.

ABOUT The THRIVE Network

The THRIVE Network is a 501(c)(3) based in Brooklyn that offers programs and services to individuals to help them reach their full potential. For 20 years, The THRIVE Network has been committed to executing with excellence, being a supportive partner and helping people in need. The THRIVE Network’s services range from full-time residential programs, developmental habilitation, community outreach, child education, social habilitation, behavioral health services and employment to family support programs. All of The THRIVE Network’s services share the same goal: enhancing the lives of those in need and helping their consumers reach their individual potential, in their own way and on their own time. The THRIVE Network’s name reflects the deep relationships and robust ecosystem of partners and agencies in which they serve. www.thethrivenetwork.org

Tickets for the event can be purchased at: http://www.thethrivenetwork.org/events/thrive-cocktail-fundraiser/