Christine B. Burke had a bright smile. It would have been even brighter had she seen the two scholarships that were presented in her memory last Saturday afternoon in the manicured, autumn-colored courtyard of Kips Bay Towers in Midtown Manhattan, where she lived for more than 40 years.
“I thought this [was] an ideal location because she loved these grounds, and as a psychiatric social worker, the success of our young people was her passion,” said Eric Coleman, Burke’s life partner and the underwriter of this annual benefit luncheon.
Champagne, gourmet sandwiches, crudités, potato salad, hors d’oeuvres and assorted desserts were plentiful and enjoyed by the many in attendance. However, the main event was the recognition of two young students.
Dashawn Hendricks, a junior majoring in industrial engineering technology at Farmingdale State College, and Gerald Bryan, a sociology major and gifted writer in his sophomore year at Concordia College, were recipients of awards of $1,000 each. Both expressed appreciation for the show of support and stated that they now felt even more motivated in pursuing their goals.
Music for the elegant affair, currently in its eighth year, was provided by the world-class flutist Sherry Winston. All proceeds went to benefit the Imani Group: Network for Children and Families, one of several civic organizations in which Burke actively served.
“One way or another, I’m sure she was here to share in this with us,” said Coleman with a smile.
