Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner
At the 72nd annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, CEO of Castle Harlan, John K. Castle, received the Happy Warrior Award. The event – that was established to honor four-term New York governor and 1928 Democratic Presidential candidate Al Smith – was established in 1946 by Francis Cardinal Spellman. When it coincides with presidential election years, it is often attended by candidates from both the Democratic and Republican Party.
This year the keynote speech was given by Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Paul Ryan. Actress Patricia Heaton was also in attendance in the role of Master of Ceremonies. As well as being an event to recognize charitable dedication of individuals, it is also a fundraiser for organizations serving the most needy children in New York. Hence Castle was a perfect honoree given the amount of time and resources he has devoted to public service in the fields of education, health and religious organizations over the last three-and-a-half decades.
Leaders in business, community and charitable endeavors also attended the event.
