As the economy continues to decline and more New Yorkers struggle to afford enough food for their families, over 150 people including elected officials, public spokespeople, and advocates raised their voices to urge all levels of government to take the lead in ending hunger in New York City.

The event was hosted by Senior Correspondent for WNBC News Gabe Pressman and the evening highlighted the important work that McGovern, Quinn, Russo, and Davis have accomplished. The proceeds of the night benefited the New York City Coalition Against Hunger (NYCCAH), an umbrella organization that represents the more than 1,200 nonprofit soup kitchens and food pantries in New York City and the more than 1.4 million low-income New Yorkers who are forced to use them. NYCCAH works to: expand and simplify access to food stamps and other government nutrition assistance programs; increase government support for food pantries and soup kitchens; and support the ability of low-income people to move towards economic self-sufficiency. More information about NYCCAH can be found on-line at www.nyccah.org.

"Today, too many low-income children start their day on an empty stomach, ill-prepared to learn, grow and develop to their fullest potential. Increasing participation in the School Breakfast Program helps position these children for successful outcomes," said Senator George McGovern.

"In one of the biggest cities in the world, in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, there is no reason why New Yorkers have to wonder if they're going to be able to feed their families," said City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn . "Each and every one of us have a responsibility to make sure that doesn't happen. I'm proud to have the support of Joel Berg and the NYCCAH on many of the Council's food initiatives and on behalf of myself and of the Council, I'm honored to be recognized for the work we have done so far making sure New Yorkers do not go hungry."

“I'm so grateful to the Coalition for honoring our reporting on this critical subject," said Melissa Russo, government affairs reporter for Channel 4. "There are so many stories competing for limited airtime. But what's more important than the daily struggle of so many New Yorkers to afford enough food?"

Gary Davis, Founder of Got Breakfast explains, "It's our mission to help ensure that every child, regardless of background, starts the school day with a nutritious breakfast in order to learn, grow and develop to their fullest potential. We aim to help increase access to breakfast programs to fight obesity, raise test scores and improve overall health."

Said Joel Berg, Executive Director of NYCCAH “George McGovern’s lifetime of fighting hunger at home and abroad has saved more lives from starvation than any American alive today. Christine Quinn, Gary Davis, and Melissa Russo have picked up the anti-hunger ball for their generations and have also achieved significant progress,” said Joel Berg, executive director of the Coalition. “Not only are we honored to have such distinguished people joining us, but we are also thrilled that we’ll have a jazz band from Julliard and professional swing dance instructors. This will be the rare event that is both momentous and fun. Given that one in six City residents struggle against hunger, we very much need and appreciate the support.”