Widows & Orphans Benefit: A Fabulous Night for a Good Cause

JANUARY 29 -- The stars came out at the Gotham Ballroom in Manhattan last night -- and they were us.Together with our friends in business and labor, the transport workers of Local 100 raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the families of co-workers who lost their lives in recent memory in the line of duty, from Track Worker Samuel McPhaul in 2001 to Bus Operator William Pena in 2014. Attendees at  the elegant event said they couldn't recall a more accomplished and impressive TWU Local 100 benefit dinner. President John Samuelsen, keynoting the evening, said: "True religion is taking care of the widows and  orphans -- and we have accomplished it." In a moving video produced by Wilkie Cornelius from the Stations Department, the children and spouses of fallen workers praised the Union for giving them the funds to attend college and weather life's storms. Samuelsen said the fund's continued growth has led to higher payouts to families each year. The TWU Local 100 Widows & Orphans Fund is also a recognized charity that members can contribute to via paycheck deduction. Local 100 Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp-Sauray, who MC'd the event, praised the Union's Comptroller, Dalia Lamming-Tilly, for being a driving force behind the event.