John and Margo Catsimatidis hosted a gala concert Friday night to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, raising $1.5 million for several charitable organizations. The event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street, also honored former Gov. George Pataki, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and New York Post columnist Cindy Adams.
Adams opened the evening with a humorous introduction for Cardinal Dolan. Dolan then led the attendees in a prayer from Psalm 46, offering blessings for the city and the country. Former Governor Pataki reflected on the anniversary, stating that 25 years feels like "yesterday" and emphasizing the importance of honoring the courage shown on and after 9/11, as well as remembering those who were lost.
WABC host Cousin Brucie emceed the event, which featured performances by Lee Greenwood singing "God Bless the U.S.A." and Tony Orlando performing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Around the Ole Oak Tree" in tribute to American troops. Joe Piscopo led a singalong of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York."
The gala also coincided with John Catsimatidis' 78th birthday, which fell on September 8. Former Governor Pataki joined Catsimatidis in blowing out candles on a cake, as the room acknowledged America's upcoming 250th anniversary.
Among the notable attendees were former New York Gov. David Paterson, former NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly, Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, and former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
The $1.5 million raised will benefit the George Pataki Leadership Center, the New York City Police Athletic League, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the WABC Foundation. Catsimatidis concluded the evening by affirming the enduring memory of 9/11 and the American people's resolve against harm.