INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER A HUGE SUCCESS! On March 28, 2009 the White Tower Healing Foundation held its inaugural fundraising dinner at Brasserie 8 ½, 9 W. 57th Street, New York, New York. By all accounts, our initial event was a tremendous success. Led by Chairman, Jim Zimmerman, Poly Prep Class of ’82, each of the Board Members spoke passionately and eloquently about their personal motivations for joining the Board and taking an active role in the healing and reconciliation process for Poly Prep sexual abuse survivors. The Board presented its 2009 Courage Award to a most deserving recipient; the honorary plaque is inscribed: To John Joseph Paggioli: In recognition of your relentless pursuant of truth, dignity, and justice, your refusal to succumb to evil and doubt, and for having the foresight and fortitude to be the driving force of this Foundation. John Joseph Paggioli, who deserves enormous credit for bringing Coach Foglietta’s sexual abuse of children out of the dark shadows and into the light of day, then spoke briefly about his continued quest for justice and peace. Finally, our two guest speakers provided riveting accounts of their own crusades. Greg Valvo, co-director of the New York City Chapter of “S.N.A.P.” (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), spoke movingly about coming to terms with his abuse by a parish priest – and emphasized the profound importance and benefits of survivors sharing their stories with each other as an integral part of the healing process. ( http://www.snapnetwork.org/ ). Tom Patire, a leading worldwide safety expert, provided extremely informative and valuable insight into the mindset and modus operandi of pedophiles – and clear instruction as to how we can best protect our children from these predators. Tom personally pledged to be there for the White Tower Healing Foundation in the future to provide Instructional Seminars to ensure that this awareness continues to be learned and acted upon. both inside and outside of the Poly Community. Tom stressed the need to act in the best interests of all children, and in keeping with the Foundation’s goals. ( http://www.tompatire.com/ ) As indicated by the many first-hand accounts (see Comments page-updated regularly), the attendees of the Inaugural fundraiser had a most intense, engaging, and yes, even enjoyable afternoon. To paraphrase Jim Zimmerman, the event was a celebration, a testament to the human spirit, and a glimpse at what is best in each of us. The Board of Directors is now eager to build on the momentum that we have garnered in order to keep moving towards our myriad positive goals. Stay tuned for news of future fundraising and awareness events. We continue to need your help and look forward to your growing involvement in aiding those who have been harmed and protecting those children of the future –everywhere -- from suffering the same fate! GUEST SPEAKERS Thomas J. Patire Safety Expert Tom Patire is one of the most-recognized authorities on child safety, personal safety and security in the world, today. Tom is known as America’s Leading Personal Safety Expert®, the most publicized bodyguard in the world but mostly a concerned parent. Tom has appeared on numerous television programs and networks, including FOX, Montel, Rachael Ray, Geraldo At Large, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, CNN, WPIX, WOR,MSNBC and Inside Edition. His child safety program has received an EMMY AWARD nomination in Educational Programming. Tom also has been featured in such major magazines and newspapers as Family Circle, Redbook, Fortune Magazine, Cosmopolitan, TV Digest, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Black Belt, Counter Terrorism and Crain's Business. For more than a quarter of a century, Tom has dedicated his life to the protection and safety of individuals. And Tom is still very active in the world of bodyguarding providing elite protection for many famous sports and entertainment figures, diplomats and corporate leaders. Through his lecture series and numerous educational programs, Tom has trained thousands of people from every walk of life, every age and every level of ability, to help transform fear in their lives into empowerment. Tom has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of individuals with his top selling book “Tom Patire’s Personal Protection Handbook,” his Training For Life DVD series, and his interactive training programs taught at his licensed Family Safety Centers through-out the world. Tom graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Human Movements and Science. As president and founder of several companies, Tom is a seasoned and successful entrepreneur. As both an author and motivational speaker, Tom is frequently sought after for public appearances. Tom resides in New Jersey with his son. Gregory Valvo Co-Director of the New York City SNAP Chapter Xaverian High School, Class of ‘91 St. Francis College, Class of ‘96 Successful Small Business Owner Greg is the Co-Director of New York City’s Chapter of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Snap is the nation's largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and others). It is an independent and confidential organization, with no connections with the church or church officials. It’s also a non-profit, certified 501 (c) (3) organization. SNAP has been awarded The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. This is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal. Mr. Valvo will be speaking about the importance and need for The White Tower Healing Foundation to step up and help those victims of Sexual Abuse inflicted upon them at Poly Prep, and the profound and positive effect it will have on those victims that have suffered in silence for so long, with no one to help them. Mr Valvo said: “It is only through actually meeting, speaking and sharing my experience, strength and hope with other survivors that I have found true healing. SNAP did for me what therapist after therapist could never do. Unless you are a survivor of abuse you can not really understand what it is like to first be a victim. Meeting and talking with other survivors is one of the most important things I had ever done in my life. I had stood up, accepted my abuse and moved on from the hurt surrounding it. The healing still continues and that is why I stay as active as I can. I do as much as I can do, whenever I can do it. It is through sharing and support that we help each other. Today, life is ok. It is still a struggle and I still have bad days. The difference is my abuse is no longer a reason to have one. I no longer struggle with my abuse. I own it.” back to top © 2012 White Tower Healing Foundation, Inc.