Congratulations to all Tildenites – members, family and friends – on winning the Club of The Year award (aka The Demmy)! During the beautiful awards ceremony held at the American Airlines Theater on 42nd Street, guests were entertained by internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers, and comedians (although maybe that guy really was President Bill Clinton?), speeches were made and awards were presented.
Hosted by County Committee Leader and Assemblymember Keith L.T. Wright, the event featured Special Guest Speaker Governor Andrew Cuomo, who delivered an inspirational and rousing address, including a beautiful tribute to his father, the late Governor Mario Cuomo. Former Governor David Patterson and Speaker Carl Heastie joined Governor Cuomo on stage. A constellation of other electeds, including former Mayor David Dinkins, Borough President Gale Brewer, Public Advocate Tish James, our own Councilmember Rosie Mendez (who also received an award – congratulations Rosie!), State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (who spoke to Tilden a few months ago and greeted us warmly), and Assemblymember Dan Quart, to name just a few, were present and cheering for Tilden.
The highlight of the evening was the finale presentation of the BIG Demmy – the Herman D. Farrell Jr. “Club of the Year” award. There were multiple other great clubs up for the award, but in recognition of Tilden’s many activities, growth and impact we were deemed Club of the Year. The actual award will be making a guest appearance at our next Club meeting in September, so be sure to attend and see it in person!
Several dozen Tildenites held an ‘after party’ – a Tilden tradition of combining hard work with fun – at the beautiful Cafe Un Deux Trois where a festive dinner and lots of celebrating took place. We toasted our members and their contributions to our Democratic Party, our City and our State, and made special toasts to our own Genevieve Cervera and Richard Tsai.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all the members of Tilden for the hard work done to receive this recognition. What you have accomplished is brilliant and inspirational, and is a shining example of what we can do when we come together in the name of Democracy. Let’s keep on doing what we do so well! I am proud and honored to serve as your President.
Sincerely,
Mark P. Thompson
President, Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club
Club of the Year