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SWIM Sports Gala Raises More Than $100,000 for First Responders and Correction Officers in CT

New Haven, CT, January 28, 2008 – St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound Sports Gala unveiled an all-star lineup of sports celebrities January 16th at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven. The event, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut, benefited state and local police, firefighters, EMS personnel, correction officers and their families throughout the state, who are battling cancer.

Bobby Valentine, former Mets manager, who currently manages the Lotte Marines of Japan, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Along with him, Bill Lee, former left-handed pitcher for the Red Sox; Ron Swoboda of the 1969 NY Mets, and Howie Schwab of ESNP’s Stump the Schwab game show entertained the crowd with sports commentary.

Connecticut State Representative Stephen D. Dargan served as Honorary Chair of the event, and Speaker of the House James A. Amann received the SWIM Legislator of the Year Award

The David Felner Caregiver Award was presented to a nine State Troopers for their care of Sgt. Geoffrey Schweitzer who passed away in December 2007 after a 3-year-long battle with cancer. Sgt. John Albanese, Sgt. Troy Anderson, TFC Kenneth Dillon, TFC Reginald Ligon, Sgt. Andy Matthews, TFC Peter Marcucio, Sgt. Donna Tadiello, Lt. Clifford Thermer and TFC Mark Wyler went above and beyond the call of duty by helping Schweitzer and his family with chores, errands, upkeep to the house, providing transportation to appointments and by making sure Schweitzer was never alone.

Felner, a former Stratford firefighter, passed away from cancer in 2002. His wife Patricia, their three children Matthew, Jayme and Christian, and his father Richard Felner, Fairfield Fire Chief, continue to support cancer patients through the SWIM.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation also presented the first-ever Bobby Valentine Humanitarian Award to two young men who have demonstrated a generous spirit of philanthropy.

Twelve-year-old Nicholas D’Antona from Seymour and 17-year-old Shawn Higgins of Fairfield were the first recipients of the award.

Nicholas D’Antona began coming to the SWIM Celebrity Breakfast with his father Sgt. John D’Antona and his grandfather when he was in third grade. A few days after attending his first SWIM event, Nicholas told his family that he wanted to help the SWIM raise money for cancer patients and their families.

The first year, with the help of his teacher, Mrs. Pat Sabatini, Nicholas raised $300 from selling Hershey’s Kisses at school. Over the last four years, Nicholas has expanded his efforts and is now selling SWIM Magnets and Sunflowers outside of area businesses, has put jars in banks, gas stations and other locations, and has called upon local companies to make donations, earning him the nickname “The Mayor.” He’s raised close to $3,000 this year.

“We’re very grateful to Nicholas for all the work he’s done, we’re impressed with his dedication, and we’re very excited to acknowledge this young entrepreneur tonight,” said Ronald J. Bianchi, President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation, the organization that coordinates the SWIM Across the Sound.

Shawn Higgins began his involvement with the SWIM after his mother, Donna, was diagnosed with cancer and the SWIM helped pay for her medications and provided her and the family with other support.

In 2001, Higgins, who was just 11 years old at the time, signed up for the Aquathon the night before the event, and managed to raise close to $1,000 within a few hours by making calls to his family members and friends. He was the poster-boy for SWIM Across the Sound in 2002.

Unfortunately, Shawn’s mother, Donna, passed away later that year. With encouragement from his grandparents, Shawn continued to raise money for the SWIM.

No longer swimming, Shawn continues to attend the Aquathon and the SWIM Marathon, and he continues to raise funds for both events. This past fall, he also participated in the SWIM Walk. Over the past seven years, Shawn has raised nearly $10,000 for the SWIM. “We’re amazed with Shawn’s generosity, perseverance and strength. We are proud to honor him tonight and we wish him the best of luck next fall when he starts at Lincoln Technical Institute next year,” Bianchi announced.

The Sports Gala raised more than $100,000 for Connecticut’s First Responders and Correction Officers and their families with cancer.

2008 SWIM Sports Gala All-Star Lineup: Bill Lee, former left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, Bobby Valentine, Manager of the Lotte Marines of Japan; James A. Amann, Speaker of the House; Ron Swoboda, 1969 New York Mets; Ronald J. Bianchi, President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation; Howie Schwab, host of ESPN’s Stump “The Schwab” Game Show and Stephen D. Dargan, Connecticut State Representative at the 2008 St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Sports Gala and Auction.

2008 David Felner Caregiver Award Recipients: TFC Peter Marcucio, Sgt. Donna Tadiello, TFC Kenneth Dillon, Fairfield Fire Chief Richard Felner, TFC Reginald Ligon, and TFC Mark Wyler. Missing from the photo are Sgt. Andy Matthews, Sgt. John Albanese, Lt. Clifford Thermer and Sgt. Troy Anderson. The nine CT State Troopers were honored at St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Sports Gala and Auction held recently at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, CT with the David Felner Caregiver Award for their care of Sgt. Geoffrey Schweitzer who passed away in December 2007 after a 3-year-ong battle with cancer. The troopers went above and beyond the call of duty; helping Schweitzer and his family with chores, errands, upkeep of the house, providing transportation to appointments and by making sure Schweitzer was never alone.

2008 Bobby Valentine Humanitarian Award Recipients: Nicholas D’Antona, 12, of Seymore; Bobby Valentine, Manager of Japan’s Lotte Marines, of Stamford; Jacqueline Honulik, Miss Connecticut USA, of Fairfield and Shawn Higgins, 17, of Fairfield at St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Sports Gala and Auction held recently at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, CT.