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2018 Loving Arms Awards Dinner Honorees


Swin Cash and Steve Canal

The Dignity of Family Life Award

Swin Cash, whose name Swintayla means “astounding woman,” is the founder of Swin Cash Enterprises LLC and the founder of Cash Building Blocks, LP, an urban development company that renovates and offers affordable homes for low income families. The McKeesport, Pennsylvania native, is the founder of Cash for Kids, a 501 (c) (3) charity with the mission to “motivate, educate, & elevate” kids. The 2016 WNBA season as a member of the New York Liberty was her 15th and final year as a professional basketball player. Following her illustrious playing career, Swin accepted a job in the New York Liberty’s front office as Director of Franchise Development, a first-of-its-kind role in the league that sees her assisting with both business and basketball operations. Swin is presently a commentator on CBS Sports “We Need to Talk,” which is the first national all- female sports show. Swin is also host of MSG Network’s “The Jeff Hornacek Experience” and In- Studio Analyst for CBS Sports Network Men’s College.Swin is a much sought-after Public Speaker who has addressed topics of: Leadership, Teamwork, Overcoming Adversity (cancer, back surgery), Health and Fitness, Fashion, Women’s Issues, and Children’s Issues.

Steve Canal is an award-winning branding architect, author, and global motivational speaker. A self-proclaimed corporate-preneur, Steve serves as Principal and CEO of The Brand Executive and a National Community Affairs Lead for MillerCoors. Steve is not limited to immersing himself in solution-oriented ideas that only impact his clients, he desires to positively impact the lives of business professionals worldwide prompting his exploration into authorship. His debut book, “The Mind of a Winner”, takes a deep dive into personal growth with the intent to cut down the learning curve of success and inspire a winning mindset that will put readers on the path to achieving success with purpose. “The Mind of a Winner”, a #1 best seller on Amazon, is filled with power moves and methodologies from the likes of Business Mogul/ Shark Daymond John, Real Estate Tycoon Barbara Corcoran, Sports Champions & T.V. Analysts Swin Cash, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, 2 Chainz & many more. Steve brings wisdom and practical advice to the pages of this project, as he has to the stages he’s graced throughout his years as a keynote speaker, host, and panelist. His undeniable foresight in business and engaging spin on real world issues keeps audiences captivated, making him an in-demand speaker. Despite having an award-winning career that has garnered recognition from the likes of the Golden Trumpet Marketing Food & Beverage Award, Black Enterprise Modern Man of Distinction, National Urban League Corporate Circle Award, 100 Black Men, Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, and more – it is Steve’s core beliefs, family values and passion for growth that fuel his drive to achieve greatness.

Gregory and Kathi Mooney & Family

Friend of Abbott House Award

The Mooney Family first became involved with the Abbott House when Greg joined the Board of Directors in 1992. It didn’t take long for the whole family to get involved when his wife Kathleen (Kathi) suggested they mentor a child from a nearby Abbott House group home. Over almost 10 years you would find the Mooney children, Gregory, Courtney and Maggie in tow attending Dave's football and baseball games, and sharing many meals and holidays together as well as being there for all important life events. Greg and Kathi knew it was important that Dave felt welcome whenever he was with them. This relationship continued after he graduated from high school and into college. Dave now lives in NYC where he manages one of Manhattan's top restaurants.

Greg’s long career managing various business units within Verizon enabled him to take on various committee roles and board positions with the Abbott House Board of Directors over his 26 year tenure. His volunteer efforts with Abbott House culminated in 2013 when he became Chairman of the Abbott House Board. This came at a critical time for Abbott House. Working closely with Abbott House's new Executive Director and a supportive board, Greg helped Abbott House negotiate changes and challenges in the human service field enabling Abbott House to prosper and grow. While raising their three children and working as a nurse Kathi also volunteers her time leading the PTA and booster club for Nanuet. Kathi and his children have always been passionate supporters of Greg's work with Abbott House and are very proud of the commitment he has made to Abbott House and the children and families it serves.

Scott and Annie Richter & Family

The Dave Wade Heart of Gold Award

The Richter Family, longtime Irvington residents, lifetime Westchester residents, became involved with Abbott House when Scott and his wife Annie mentored David, one of the children in foster care. David was warmly welcomed into their family, including by Scott and Ann’s three children – Ben, Jane and Grace – and could often be found at family dinners, trips to the movies and holidays. Scott and Annie continued to mentor David during a particularly traumatic time after he transitioned to another program.

Scott spent 15 years on Wall Street with Citigroup, where he last served as a Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer for Citigroup Global Markets Fixed Income Sales before he joined the Abbott House as a Board member. When Greg M was elected Chairman in 2013, Scott was elected Board Vice-Chairman. Scott has forged a great partnership with Greg in helping him oversee all the important management issues AH faces. Most recently, he has helped lead a Leadership Engagement Council, created to grow philanthropy for Abbott House and actively help re-brand Abbott House and engage the local community. Always looking for opportunities to help bring others into Abbott House universe, Scott has introduced various partner agencies to Abbott House, helping to leverage their ability to serve its clients. Specifically, Abbott House has established an especially beautiful partnership with PhotoSafe (where Scott is a Board member); PhotoSafe creates photos and memories for children in foster care.

Annie’s own work with young special needs children is the backbone that helps drive their passion for Abbott House. Ben, Jane and Grace, continue in their parent’s philanthropic footsteps by interning, volunteering, and participating in several special projects for Abbott House and other non-profits. Whenever we need help, the entire Richter Family never hesitates to jump right in. They all have a heart of gold and we are pleased to honor the legacy of Dave Wade by presenting the Richter family with the Dave Wade Heart of Gold Award.

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