Charles L. Brieant Center to Honor William P. Harrington at Spring Gala

From Events to Remember Public Relations:

William P. Harrington, Esq., partner at Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP, has been named the 2016 Spring Gala honoree by the Charles L. Brieant Center. The Spring Gala: Learning Today… Leading Tomorrow will be held on Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Briarcliff Manor, located at 25 Studio Hill Rd.

The Charles L. Brieant Center (CBC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2009 to help young people make the most of their lives by providing them with opportunities for growth, leadership, learning and mentorship opportunities. The late Judge Charles L. Brieant knew the importance of learning and played an instrumental role in developing a center where learning was made possible through active partnerships with the greater Ossining Public Schools, Communities That Cares, Ossining Chamber of Commerce and working with kids that are incarcerated in Westchester County. He was someone who put unyielding effort into ensuring that children would have opportunities to learn and grow.

His mission was to provide educational programs free of charge to children in areas of leadership, career mentoring, homework assistance, nutrition, peer mediation and through arts and music programs. The Board of the Charles L. Brieant Center partnered with school administrators to develop and implement programs such as the Hudson Pride Program, a year-long expeditionary program about the importance of the Hudson River, Life Long Leaders Program, Career Exploration Program, Peer Mediation Program, Nutrition Program and the Youth at Risk Program, a counseling program focusing on youth who are incarcerated in Westchester County.

Annually, the Charles L. Brieant Center honors someone who embodies the same spirit of developing the leader in every child and teen. William P. Harrington, Esq. is that person. He has been one of the organization’s supporters of the CBC since its inception. He is chairman of the Bleakley Platt & Schmidt Executive Committee and chairs the Litigation Practice Group. An experienced trial attorney, Harrington represents Fortune 500 companies in commercial, environmental, civil rights, real estate, gaming, employment discrimination, and criminal matters. He has a distinguished background of service, is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and has been honored by various charitable organizations, including the Dominican Sisters Family Health Services, the National Coalition of Ethnic Organizations (NECO), the Westchester Food Bank, the Visiting Nurse Service of Westchester, the Andrus School, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and the Archdiocese of New York Inner City Scholarship Fund.
Harrington served as law clerk for the late Hon. Charles L. Brieant following his graduation from Fordham Law School in 1982. His clerkship with Judge Brieant was one of the cherished highlights of his life. Brieant was Harrington's mentor, friend and moral compass. Harrington noted that “Judge Brieant was a wonderful man, a great jurist, and even a better friend who taught his clerks to balance the demands of the legal profession with our obligations to our families and society.” As a supporter in the development and growth of the Charles L. Brieant Center, Harrington has been recognized for his work with disadvantaged sectors of our community.

“Judge Brieant was a transformative figure in my life and the lives of many others” said Harrington. “He was a great judge, but an even better man. He taught me not only how to practice law, but why; to protect and advance the interests of justice throughout our society. I am proud of the wonderful work of the Charles L. Brieant Center and humbled to be a small part of the Judge’s enduring legacy.”

“Mr. Harrington has been a tremendous advocate of the CBC. His leadership and support has allowed us to provide programs and opportunities to children in the middle and high schools and helped us to achieve success in the community” said Diane Magri Fraser, executive director.

Guests will be treated to a cocktail hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with dinner and music to follow. A raffle and silent/live auction will be held to help continue to provide quality programs at no cost to the schools and to the youth at risk who are incarcerated in Westchester County. This year’s spring gala is expected to draw many supporters. Advance reservation is encouraged. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased through the Charles L. Brieant Center website.