Victor Cruz NY Giants Wide Receiver Gets Recognition By The Randall’s Island Park Alliance Fielding Dreams Gala

Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) hosted its annual Fielding Dreams Gala Dinner at the American Museum of Natural History. The Gala recognized two esteemed community leaders and celebrated the continued success of Randall’s Island Park, a world-class destination for sports, recreation and environmental exploration. The event raised more than $1.3 million for Randall’s Island Park Alliance. The 2015 Fielding Dreams Gala Honorees were Victor Cruz, New York Giants Wide Receiver, and Lucy Fato, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of McGraw Hill Financial, both of whom join the Randall’s Island Park Alliance in recognizing the importance of promoting active and healthy living for New York’s children.

Victor Cruz was recognized not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for his outstanding contribution to philanthropy. Through the Victor Cruz Foundation and his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, Victor has helped local youth in New York and New Jersey achieve success in higher education, become leaders in their communities and adopt healthy and active lifestyles. Blanca Cruz, Victor’s mother, presented his award. Cruz said in his speech that he is living proof of the positive results that participation in youth athletics can yield. Growing up playing sports instilled in me the skills and motivation necessary to become a professional athlete and team player, and I now lead by example for my most important fan, my daughter, Cruz said. Cruz added he is honored to be a partner and friend of the Randall’s Island Park Alliance, and to work alongside them to give New York City’s kids the advantages of an active life.

The vibrant evening hosted more than 600 high-profile philanthropists, City officials, and leaders in sports, health, and finance industries, who joined to champion Randall’s Island as the key to providing New York City’s children with innovative and comprehensive opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation. The Gala was Co-Chaired by Timothy Barefield and Justin G. Hamill, and the Dinner Committee was Co-Chaired by Christine Mack and Jenny Slayton Green. Master of Ceremonies Willie Geist, Co-Host, NBC’s ‘TODAY’, led the program throughout dinner, which concluded with an energetic live auction directed by Sebastian Clarke, Rago Arts & Auction and PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. The most sought after items sold included VIP passes to the multi-day Governor’s Ball Music Festival on Randall’s Island and a once in a lifetime opportunity to join Victor Cruz at the New York Giants’ training camp in August.