More than 250 radio and television broadcasters were in attendance Monday evening to honor Dennis Swanson, President of Station Operations for Fox Television Stations, as he received the 2012 Golden Mike Award. And the gala dinner in New York raised over $250,000 to support the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, the charity that provides aid to broadcasters in desperate need.
Swanson (pictured, second from left) accepted the Award from “Inside Edition” host Deborah Norville and Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Phil Lombardo (second from right) and President Jim Thompson (far left).
Norville, who hosted the event, was joined by presenters Roger Ailes of Fox News, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the syndicated TV show host and cardiac surgeon, Elsie McCabe Thompson of the Museum for African Art, and Larry Wert of NBC-TV. Attendees included Gianni Russo, the actor who played Carlo in “The Godfather,” Fox 5 News Anchors Ernie Anastos and Dari Alexander, Fox News Political Commentator Dana Perino, Mayor David Dinkins, TV and radio sportscaster CJ Papa, WABC-TV News Anchor Sade Baderinwa, and WABC-TV News Meteorologist Lee Goldberg.
Celebrated songwriter and former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi regaled the audience with renditions of songs she co-wrote: “Taking Chances,” made famous by Celine Dion and “Sober,” a hit for Pink. She also performed “Funny Honey” from the musical “Chicago,” in which DioGuardi played Roxie Hart on Broadway.
During the evening, the Foundation recognized the late Rick Buckley, a longtime supporter of the Broadcasters Foundation who served as its Treasurer for many years. A fund established in Buckley’s name after he passed away suddenly in July has generated $50,000 to help broadcasters in need.
The Broadcasters Foundation has provided millions of dollars in aid to colleagues who lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease, or unforeseen family tragedy. Donations also can be made to the Guardian Fund, and corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative. For more information, to apply for a grant, or to make a contribution, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org or call 212-373-8250.
Photo by Wendy Moger-Bross
