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VIP Community Services President and Chief Executive Officer Debbian Fletcher-Blake with New York State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda. Photo by Jewel Webber
The event featured musical performances by UpBeat NYC and VIP Community Services Executive Administrator Jerrod Sanders.
VIP Executive Administrator Jerrod Sanders was also one of the musical guests for the 50th Anniversary Gala. He has sung nationally and internationally with various opera companies. Photo by Jewel Webber
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson presented VIP Community Services with a proclamation at the event, declaring Oct. 9 “VIP Day.”
(Left to right) Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, VIP Community Services President and Chief Executive Officer Debbian Fletcher-Blake and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. Photo by Jewel Webber
Former VIP Community Services President Sandra Ruiz Butter was also honored at the event for the work she did leading the organization from 1993-2010. Her daughter, Alicia Ruiz, accepted the award on her behalf.
VIP Community Services Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer Carmen Rivera with Alicia Ruiz, the daughter of the honoree Sandra Ruiz Butter. Photo by Jewel Webber
The Ruiz Butter House, an affordable housing building which opened in November 2023, was named after Sandra Ruiz Butter in her honor.
The Inaugural Father Banome Visionary Award was presented to VIP Community Services Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer Carmen Rivera.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and VIP Community Services Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer Carmen Rivera. Rivera received the Inaugural Father Banome Visionary Award for her many years of service. Photo by Jewel Webber
Other awards were also given to longtime VIP Community Services staff members in recognition of their over 25 years with the organization.
Awards were also given in recognition of staff members with at least 25 years of tenure with VIP Community Services. Honorees included (left to right) Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Opal Dunstan, Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer Carmen Rivera, Medical Secretary Emily Betancourt-Cubero, Foreman Miguel Nicolau, Clinical Supervisor Janet Camacho, President and Chief Executive Officer Debbian Fletcher-Blake, AVP of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Ellen Hoffman and Therapist Ruth Smith. Photo by Jewel WebberSteven Lee from Ameritech Systems won the door prize raffle, which was a ticket for two for the Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show. Photo by Jewel Webber
