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JANUARY 26, 2008: NEW ROCHELLE, NY

HFO CHARITY DINNER

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Bernie Williams’ charity, The Hillside Food Outreach, held its 5th Annual “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Benefit Dinner on January 26, 2008.  The event helps raise money and awareness to fight hunger in Westchester County.  Bernie hosted the event and was joined by his special guest and former teammate, Paul O’Neill.  There was also a cameo appearance by two-time World Series Champion Roy White.

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The evening started around 5 PM when O’Neill was interviewed by Bruce Beck (WNBC) and Sweeny Murti (WFAN).  O’Neill was asked about some of his memories from the great Yankee clubs both he and Bernie played on.  O’Neill was specifically asked about Game Five of the 1996 World Series in which Andy Pettitte and John Smoltz faced off in a classic pitcher’s dual, resulting in O’Neill making a running catch to save the game.  The panel also talked about the great 1998 Yankee team and marveled that this year marks the tenth anniversary of that championship.  The interview closed with a discussion of another classic Yankee moment, Game Five of the 2001 World Series.  This was O’Neill’s last game at Yankee Stadium, featuring the now famous chanting of his name, which helped rally the team to an extra-inning comeback win.  Next it was time for photo opportunities, as the guests could pose for a professional photo with both Bernie and Paul. 

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 The photo session was followed by a cocktail reception which featured a silent auction.  Guests could bid on a variety of items including sports memorabilia, dining occasions, entertainment events, VIP passes, home goods, vacation getaways, and children’s gifts.    Right before dinner was served, Bernie addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for coming and specifically thanked O’Neill for his support.  The two played together for nine seasons in the Bronx.  Williams jokingly thanked O’Neill for “allowing” him to become the everyday centerfielder, since the Yankees traded then-starter Roberto Kelly to obtain O’Neill in 1992.  The two then sat down and jammed (Bernie on guitar and Paul on drums) with a few other musicians for a great rendition of the classic Wilson Picket song, “Mustang Sally.”  Dinner was followed by a performance by young Carly Rose Sonenclar who sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” while Bernie played guitar.  The third grade student possesses an amazing singing voice and has appeared on both the big screen (The Nanny Diaries) and Broadway (Les Miserables). 

A live auction followed which was conducted by Murti and Yankee broadcaster John Sterling (YES, WCBS).  There were some really nice items featured here, including a Bernie Williams signed guitar, a recording studio visit, and golf outing (each to be accompanied by Bernie himself).  Williams and O’Neill jammed again to close out the evening.  A great time was had by all.  If you live nearby, please consider attending this great event for a worthwhile cause.  Next year’s dinner is already scheduled for January 24, 2009.

 

Below are videos and pictures from the event.  The videos contain portions of "Mustang Sally" (a solo close-up and a full version) and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."  More videos of Bernie can be found on my YouTube Page by clicking here.

 

Bernie's "Mustang Sally" Solo

Paul O'Neill with Bruce Beck & Sweeny Murti

Bernie Performs an Acoustic Solo

The Complete "Mustang Sally" Video

"Over the Rainbow" with Carly Rose Soneclar

Paul O'Neill Talks About His Yankee Days

Bernie and Carly

Jamming with the Band