Ronnie Spector Honored at the Spirit of East Harlem Gala
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Ronnie Spector Honored at the Spirit of East Harlem Gala
The event raised close to $1 million for LSA Family Health Service programs in East Harlem
May 9, 2018 – New York, NY – On May 8, 2018, LSA Family Health Service, founded by the Little Sisters of the Assumption, celebrated its 60th anniversary at the Spirit of East Harlem gala at The Plaza Hotel.
The event included dinner, dancing, and awards presented to Ronnie Spector, Founder of the Ronettes and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee; Let Lee of FPS/NEXUS Financial Services; and Sister Susanne Lachapelle, LSA, a nurse and community advocate.
In addition, Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes, who appeared together this year for the first time since the 1970s, performed two of their greatest hits at the charity event.
“I am beyond thrilled to be a small part of LSA’s 60th anniversary Gala celebration,” said Ronnie Spector. “As someone born in Spanish Harlem, who grew up in humble surroundings, I know the services provided by LSA are needed now more than ever. The children and families in East Harlem need to be able to dream, just like I did when I was a little girl.”
The gala was chaired by Scott and Kateri DePetris. Yoko Ono Lennon and Chita Rivera served as Honorary Chairs.
Around 400 guests attended the gala, which raised close to a million dollars to improve the health and wellbeing of families living in poverty in East Harlem and surrounding communities.
Sixty years ago, four nurses and a social worker from the Little Sisters of the Assumption congregation moved to East Harlem to provide health care and support to families in poverty. Today, LSA Family Health Service provides food, health, education and family services to over 7,000 individuals in East Harlem and surrounding neighborhoods and is a recognized innovator in human services. The organization makes a special effort to reach immigrant populations that may be marginalized or unable to access services due to poverty, language and other barriers.
“For 60 years, the Little Sisters of the Assumption and LSA Family Health Service a hub of strength for families in East Harlem, helping them to build brighter futures,” said Reada Edelstein, CEO of LSA Family Health Service. “We are proud of our legacy and we celebrate the contributions of our three special honorees.”
The Spirit of East Harlem was endorsed by a number of elected and appointed officials, including Diego Gomez-Pickering, Consul General for Mexico in New York, and United States Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer.
About the Honorees
Ronnie Spector, Lifetime Spirit Award – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ronnie Spector’s swagger, moxie and trademark voice (still instantly recognizable from the first note) defined an era. Now in her sixth decade as a performer, Spector has come a long way from her East Harlem roots: ‘Be My Baby’ has been named the #1 Greatest Girl Group Song of All Time by Billboard Magazine, has been added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, preserved as a work of historical and cultural significance, and is also now an official addition to the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Let Lee, Community Spirit Award – A long-time supporter of the LSA’s mission, Let Lee was the President and co-founder of Matrix Financial Services and Nexus Financial Services. Presently, he is a private investor and co-founder of the first organic farm brewery in New York State.
Sister Susanne Lachapelle, 60th Anniversary Spirit Award – Since 1962, Sr. Susanne has been a powerful voice for family health in the community. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her work, including a New York State Legislative Citation as Nurse of Distinction.
