The highest honor ever bestowed on me came in 2012 when I, along with about 100 others, were given the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
I had been nominated by the late Sister Virginia of the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service because of my charity work for them and other local not-for-profits! My class of inductees included Frankie Vallie, Brooke Shields and boxer Ray "Boom Boom: Mancini.
The Ellis Island Honor Society has a rich history as outlined here:
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor have been awarded annually since 1986 to Americans, both U.S.-born and naturalized, who represent and contribute to the rich mosaic that is our great nation. This year, a total of 76 honorees will be honored for their contributions in business, education, entertainment, public service, philanthropy, media, healthcare, sports, and the defense of the United States. Each medalist has embraced their personal immigrant history and recognizes the role that uniquely American opportunities played in helping them reach their goals.
The medal ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16th during a black-tie gala held in Ellis Island's Great Hall, which served as the gateway for 12 million immigrants to the U.S.
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