Memorable Quotes

“I know I could never live without a humane purpose,” Arthur Ashe was quoted by one of the Arthur Ashe Institute’s board members in the opening speech. “(My) purest joy comes with trying to help others.”There were some touching moments at the 2007 13th Annual Sports Ball where the Institute recognized former New York Giants Captain and Hall of Famer Harry Carson with the Spirit of Sports and Service Award, speaker Christine Quinn for the Courage to Care Award, Dr. Monica Sweeney for the Leadership in Urban Medicine Award, Cable Positive for Leadership in Corporate Responsibility Award, and Andy for the Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Sweeney hit home when she said, “We are all either part of the solution or the problem. We can end this epidemic with all we can do. Prevention is the key.” This concept is also seen through the eyes of Blanche Roddick, and their endowment fund for both the Kids In Distress Shelter and the ARFoundation their goal isto prevent these children from becoming ill and mistreated.

“It’s an honor to recieve this award,” Hillary Wallace of the ARFoundation noted. “It validates all of the hard work we do all year around.”

Joyce Blowshinsky agreed, sitting right next to Hillary and Blanche when I sat down with them at the dinner. “What we do and how it impacts children really feels special, but to have this honor bestoyed on us tells us that we are making a difference in children’s lives.”

Taking to the podium to accept his award as the last of the evening, Andy pulled out a pile of small yellow pieces of paper and said, “As it’s evident that I am 24 years old, I got post-its,” and the crowd chuckled. Andy’s wit and charm were put aside, and his sincerity was clearly expressed through his touching speech.

“Little did Arthur know when he did that he was this helping child today for tomorrow.”