Over 250 guests attended as Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF), hosted their 3rd Annual Future Lives for Harlem Event. The celebration honored Whole Foods Market, John B Rhea and Abie Grossfeld. The program also included performances by 30 of the WHGF gymnastics team members, as Olympic Gold Medalist, Sarah Hughes served as the MC for the evening. Founded by Hall of Fame rhythmic gymnast, Wendy Hilliard,the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation has provided free and low cost gymnastics for over 15,000 urban youth.
Olympic Silver Medalist Gail Marquis introduced Whole Foods Market, represented by Michael Sinatra and Yardley Messeroux, who received the Community Partner Award for their support of the WHGF’s efforts of providing healthy food and nutrition education program participants. Uptown Magazine CEO, Len Burnett, introduced the Business Visionary Award to John B. Rhea, for his work supporting youth during his tenure as the former Chairman of the NYC Housing Authority. Mr. Rhea delighted the crowd with an impressive gymnastics round of move before his speech. Two-time Olympian, Dominick Minicucci, introduced the WHGF Spirit of Sports Award to Hall of Fame Olympian and Coach, Abie Grossfeld. NBC Sports Announcer, Andrea Joyce presented the many Olympians and Champion athletes who attended the event including: Peter Westbrook- Fencing Olympic Bronze Medalist and the legendary, Audrey Smaltz – as Champion Diva. Multi-media Journalist, Patrick L. Riley, lead the auction program, which included outstanding raffles prizes and support for the gymnasts of the WHGF programs. Tons of celebrities including:KEM, Emeka Okafor, Paul Wharton, Kacy Duke, Dr. Ian Smith, Chaz Guest and Abie Grossfeld all pitched in to donate items featured on the foundation’s Charity Buzz auction.
Founded in 1996 by Hall of Fame rhythmic gymnast, Wendy Hilliard, the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation “WHGF” was formed to provide free and low cost gymnastics for youth. Wendy was inspired to begin the foundation after training her athlete, Aliane Baquerot, for the 1996 Olympics. The goal was to provide children with the opportunity that Wendy had in gymnastics. In the late “70’s the City of Detroit Recreation Department hired four gymnastics coaches from the former Soviet Union. Lead by Drs. Vladimir and Zina Mirinov; the Detroit Metro Gymnastics Team produced Olympians, National Champions and numerous US National Gymnastics Team members. As the Captain of the Detroit Metro Gymnasts, Wendy travelled the world representing her city and was the first African American to represent the United States Rhythmic Gymnastics.
The WHGF is an exceptional youth development organization. It has served over 15,000 inner-city youth to date. The WHGF has trained top elite athletes and international gymnastics performers. The diversity of the WHGF staff is unique to the sport of gymnastics, but they are all highly qualified gymnastics instructors with incredible resumes achievement in sport. New York City has provided the opportunity for the WHGF students to perform on some of the world’s greatest stages including, Madison Square Garden and Lincoln Center. To learn more on how you can support the Wendy Hillard Gymnastics Foundation visit www.whfny.org!
