The 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner is on Thursday at Hilton Hotel New York City Centerbrings together prominent figures to support women and children in need.
Hosted by His Holiness Cardinal Timothy Michael DolanArchbishop of New York, this year’s event features the former U.S. president, Donald TrumpAs a keynote speaker, with comedians Jim Gaffigan Serve as the evening’s host.
Although the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris Absent, making her the first presidential candidate in years to skip the event, she submitted a pre-recorded video featuring the comedian Molly Shannon Playing her famous “superstar” role as Mary Katherine Gallagher.
Meanwhile, Trump and his wife Melania Trump attended the dinner.
what is Al Smith Charity Dinner?
- The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, commonly known as the Al Smith Charity Dinner, is a prestigious annual white-tie event held at
New York Raise millions of dollars forcatholic charities supporting vulnerable women and children in the state. - Since its inception in 1946, the event has become a cultural landmark, providing a platform for major political figures, including U.S. presidential candidates, to engage in light-hearted banter and solidarity on stage, even in an election year .
- The dinner is a living tribute to Alfred E. Smith, the first Roman Catholic to run for president of the United States on a major party basis and four-term governor of New York.
- Lauded for his contributions to labor reform and Social Security legislation, the campaign continues his legacy by distributing 100% of proceeds to carefully selected charitable organizations that help New York’s poorest children.
- The foundation was created by Francis Cardinal Spelman to fulfill Smith’s commitment to “the little people” by funding programs that bring hope to the poor and disadvantaged, regardless of their race, creed or color. .
- In addition to its charitable mission, the Al Smith Gala has become an iconic political and cultural event, often marking the last time presidential candidates share the stage before Election Day.
- It demonstrates the enduring spirit of goodwill in American politics while providing vital support to New York’s most vulnerable communities.
