MICHAEL J. ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION DINNER

Hello Everyone,

Yes it is that time of year again for the Michael J. Armstrong Foundation Dinner. Even though over the past few years the date has moved around the seasons a bit, I think we have finally nailed down both the date and the location. If this is not serving as a reminder to get your tickets and more as a first notice, then I apologize. Further, if this is the initial introduction to the event make sure to read the attachments that compliment the invite and response card including the mission statement, the fundraising activities, and Mike's Bio. I urge you to read the impressive fundraising activities section. It warms the heart, especially when Mike's memory is the keystone for all of the good being done in his name. I know he is proud of what we have done as a community and he is proud of the old friendships that we cherish and the new ones that we cultivate through his memory, along this tragic journey.

There is no better time of year, with the bluster whipping around the fallen foliage, and the perfect bite to the air than this change of season that connects the endless NY summer to the brutal icy soggy sock NY winter. It is a resting period between weekly road trips to the ocean and the "relative" hell of giving thanks and Internet shopping. What better time to tie one on with your cats. There truly is no reason not to. What the heck could we possibly be doing that is more important, or more fun than this gig. To chilly for the pool, to windy for golf, kid's soccer season is ending, and their hoops games are not yet important enough that a mild hangover can't go unnoticed. These my compatriots are words of wisdom.

This year's event also has an interesting twist to it. A close friend of mine and I am sure a friend of most of yours, Matt Long, is receiving the annual Courage in Leadership Award. For those of you who do not know him, Matt Long is the firefighter who was hit by a bus on his way to work during the transit strike almost a year ago on December 22, 2005. He spent over 5 months in the hospital after being critically injured; he has had over 30 surgeries and faces many more as he continues his long road to recovery. He was a friend of Mike Armstrong's - he is one of my partners in the ownership of Turtle Bay, where Mike tended bar, and he is also my partner at of MJ Armstrong's, the pub and restaurant we named after Mike. As a firefighter with the FDNY, Matt was a responder at the WTC on September 11th. He was there when the towers collapsed and continued working down there for weeks after. The Michael J. Armstrong Courage in Leadership Award is an award given to someone who exemplifies courage, commitment, service and leadership. Matt has shown all of these things as a firefighter for over 12 years, but no more so than he has since his accident. He has been an incredible example of strength and resolve in the face of tremendous obstacles and adversity - he is a true example of perseverance in the face of difficulties. Imagine what the rest of us could accomplish if we had half the fortitude, will and determination that Matt has?

With that being said, it should be a great night and I hope to see you all with your autumnal best on, to help celebrate this foundation in Mike's name, at the New York Athletic Club next Friday. Please please please get some friends and family together and make the reservation call today or tomorrow as we need to define the number of attendees. Thanks in advance.

Terry Brennan

*For more information, call 212.223.4224 (Turtle Bay Grill & Lounge) or (212).358.9946 (M.J. Armstrong's). Or simply click HERE to learn more about the Michael J. Armstrong Foundation