Date/Time
Date(s) - 18/09/2024
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location
The Plaza Hotel - Main Ballroom
Categories
Child friendly: No
Ticket Prices: $1,000
Telephone Number:
Website: https://fehsf.givevirtuous.org/Event/2a4e462d-606f-4e3c-b856-1a59d7f27b0b
Celebrities, heads of Federal Law Enforcement agencies, business leaders and philanthropists will come together for the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation’s (FEHSF) Ridge Awards Gala, to honor distinguished leaders whose work has significantly impacted the federal law enforcement community and raise funds to support the organization’s mission.
The Ridge Awards Gala, named in honor of Tom Ridge, the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, helps fund FEHSF’s work as the “Financial First Responder” for Federal Agents and their families, providing direct emergency grants for those affected by financial hardship, natural disasters, medical diagnoses, and both accidental and on-the-job injury or death.
Notable Attendees:
Will Montanaro, CEO of FEHSF: FEHSF CEO Will Montanaro’s experience as a grant recipient deeply influenced his path to leadership at the Foundation. After the devastating loss of his wife Jacqueline, a supervisory U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, and their daughter Madelyn in a 2023 house fire, Montanaro received crucial support from FEHSF, which ultimately inspired him to take on his current role.
Additional notable attendees will include Chris Hansen (Dateline NBC, To Catch a Predator), founding Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, former Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker, former New York Governor David Paterson, and key figures from various law enforcement agencies.
Honorees:
Michael Dowling, President & CEO of Northwell Health: A leading voice in healthcare, Michael Dowling topped Modern Healthcare’s 2022 “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” list. With over three decades in executive roles, he has driven reforms that prioritize patient care, quality, and safety. Dowling is also recognized for his advocacy on critical societal issues like gun violence and immigration.
Rep. Peter King: Serving 14 terms in Congress representing New York’s South Shore, Rep. King was instrumental in legislative achievements, including the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and Hurricane Sandy relief funding. As Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, he led crucial hearings on domestic terrorism.
Don Erickson, CEO of the Security Industry Association: Don Erickson has led SIA since 2011, driving initiatives in marketing, membership, government relations, education, and standards. Named one of the “Most Influential People in Security” in 2018, he was inducted into the Security Sales & Integration Security Hall of Fame in 2023. He previously served on the senior legislative staff of U.S. Sen. Rod Grams, focusing on criminal justice and technology policy.
Leonore Karafa, Partner at First In: Leonore Karafa, President of Bunker Labs’ Board of Directors, has been a pivotal supporter of military-connected entrepreneurs. A Marine Corps veteran (2000-2007), she has held leadership roles at BofA, Citadel, and McChrystal Group, where she oversaw rapid growth and supported clients in tech and finance.