from

President/Executive Director Gabriele Delmonaco

Buonasera and welcome once again to the Wine & Spirits International Dinner! I am so pleased to be together again after our time apart. This event has always felt to me to be a reunion or homecoming of sorts; A Chance In Life has been so fortunate to have the support of the wine & spirits industry for so many years, and this dinner is an opportunity for us not only to show support for the thousands of children around the world who benefit from our programs, but to reconnect with friends in the industry who have been with us for so many years. It feels extra special to raise a glass in person once again.

So much has changed since our last Wine & Spirits Dinner in 2019. The world looks entirely different, and we have all adapted in ways big and small to those changes While we know that children are among the most resilient people, we also know that, once children are cut off from education, it is extremely difficult for them to reenter. They become victims of poverty, abuse, drugs, crime, or worse. Over the past two years, A Chance In Life has worked tirelessly to ensure that our children around the world have been able to continue their educations. We provided digital devices, so they could access remote learning opportunities. We provided emergency food packages to families, so children could stay in school rather than leave to pursue work and contribute to the family earnings We provided hygiene information and sanitation products, to keep children healthy We are so proud to say that we were able to continue to serve thousands of children around the world without disruption.

What’s more, this year we opened our first program based right here in New York City! The Village on Staten Island provides essential services, including leadership training, academic support, financial literacy training, and food distribution services, to school-aged children and their families right here in our own community. We are proud to be continuing in our founder’s legacy and serving children and families where we live and work

Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of those gathered here tonight. We are so honored to recognize the longstanding support of the wine & spirits industry and thrilled to welcome friends from the restaurant and hospitality industries, who have shown such generosity of spirit to us and the children we serve. Insieme, tutto e possible! Together, anything is possible!

Grazie mille, Gabriele Delmonaco President/Executive Director

2021

Honoree Arthur Backal Founder and CEO, Backal Hospitality Group

An expert in all aspects of dining, hospitality and gatherings to celebrate, Arthur F. Backal is the CEO of Backal Hospitality Group (BHG) and during three decades in the business has overseen world-renowned venues and executed thousands of milestone events – from intimate affairs to glittering galas.

As a deeply respected voice and veteran in the hospitality industry, Backal has supplied his magic touch in the development of numerous iconic hotels and restaurants around the world. He has also managed 20+ event spaces in New York City.

Businesses that Backal currently operates and/or owns throughout New York City include Apella, an Alexandria Event Space located on the edge of the East River; RiverPark, Little River, VERSA Restaurant and Rooftop in the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel; Event Management Firm State of the Art Enterprises; events at the Mandarin Oriental New York Hotel since 2003; CNVS Event Space located in the Hudson Yards district; AOG Design which provides modern event décor; All Seated, and Cellar Dog.

Before founding BHG and from the start of his career, Backal worked with iconic New York hospitality institutions and spearheaded the re-opening of The St. Regis New York, overseeing the entire food and beverage operations, and was also credited with restoring The Pierre to its legendary grandeur during his tenure as Director of Catering. He was also at The Plaza, The Waldorf Astoria and of The Rainbow Room.