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A businessman and an athlete will be honored for their community contributions at the annual Dinner of Champions to benefit the Connecticut chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The event honors outstanding corporate leaders and sports champions who have made contributions within their own organizations and the community. Ottis Anderson, a former running back for the New York Giants, and David Checketts, former president of Madison Square Garden, will receive awards at the event Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich. Deb Kaufman Placey, sports host on MSG Network and a Southport resident, will be the emcee. The evening includes cocktails and dinner as well as silent and live auctions.
The MS Dinner of Champions has raised nearly $6 million in the fight against multiple sclerosis since its 1978 inception. According to Sam O'Leary, communications specialist for the Connecticut chapter, last year's dinner brought in $260,000. "Usually for this event we don't put a goal on it, but with all of our events we like to raise more than we did the year before," he said.
Anderson is being honored with the J. Walter Kennedy Memorial Award for his work with charitable organizations, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Boys & Girls Club of America since his 1992 retirement. "Ottis Anderson was an outstanding athlete, known for his positive attitude and quiet determination on and off the field," Lisa Gerrol, Connecticut chapter president, said in a statement.
The MS Special Achievement Award will go to Checketts for exhibiting community leadership and support for improving the quality of life for Connecticut residents. "David W. Checketts is an outstanding executive, known for his career achievements as well as his compassion for those in our community who struggle with life's challenges," Gerrol said in a statement.
For information on the event and to purchase tickets contact Kim Maloney, development manager for the Connecticut chapter, by email or at 860-913-2550, Ext. 334. Tickets are also available online.
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