Annual Gala Honored Barnes & Noble Founder Len Riggio and Raises More Than One Million Dollars

On Monday, October 27, more than 750 guests attended Goddard Riverside’s annual gala and raised more than one million dollars to support the life-transforming programs and services to help New Yorkers in need.

Held at the Waldorf Astoria, this year’s gala honored Barnes & Noble founder and chairman Len Riggio, a publishing industry visionary, trailblazer and dedicated humanitarian.

Special guests included Patrick Maloney Susan Halmy, Peter Gethers – all who spoke as longtime friends and colleagues of Mr. Riggio. Also, legendary singer Tony Bennett joined the affair and surprised his longtime friend.

One of the event highlights was a heartfelt speech from George, a member of the Goddard Riverside family and resident of The Senate, one of Goddard’s supportive residences. George shared his story of transformation and hope, as he told the audience how happy he is to have a safe place to call home.