STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Giants of the sports and entertainment worlds were out in full force on Staten Island Thursday evening, gathering to serve as the dais of the 29th annual Teddy Dinner, the marquee event of the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation.
Founded in 1997 by the dinner’s namesake and named in honor of his father, the foundation — long regarded as one of the Island’s most prominent nonprofits — offers a wide range of emotional and financial support to people in need, particularly children.
Hundreds of attendees packed Nicotra’s Ballroom for an evening celebrating the foundation’s remarkable work, including athletes like Knicks legend John Starks and Super Bowl champion James Bradberry; sports media personalities such as Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and Brian Kenny; and star entertainers Tracy Morgan and Staten Island’s own Sal Vulcano, just to name a few.
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29th Annual Teddy Dinner
Kenny, who emceed the event, opened the festivities by sharing how great it felt to return and hoping the crowd acknowledged how important their presence was.
“I hope everyone realizes that as people are spending and donating tonight for a good cause, that you realize what a blessing everyone is to this community through the foundation, and this is how it happens,” he shared.
Atlas himself then delivered an insightful opening address, sharing just how important the annual dinner is to the mission of the foundation.
“For the last 29 years our car has been parked here in this room, where once a year there is nothing that separates us… we are all bound by an inalienable responsibility to protect life. It is what compels us to come together when the call for help goes out,” he shared.
The founder recalled a recent conversation with his wife, Elaine, about a day at the foundation’s food pantry when nearly four times the usual number of people arrived after losing access to food stamps — and how nights like the Teddy Dinner help make moments like that possible.
“A couple weeks ago during the government shutdown, Sharon called me from the food pantry, stressed, and said, ‘Normally we feed about a thousand people a week. There’s three or four thousand people here, coming from Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn. What do I do?’”
“It didn’t take me long to answer: ‘Feed them.’ You fed them, and I thank you for that, Elaine. They thank you for that, and the man above thanks you for that,” he continued.
In his own humorous way, Atlas also thanked the dais for their unwavering support of the foundation, joking that “As big a pain in the ass as I am, you’re still here. And I thank you. I’m always scared… I’m always saying to myself, what if they don’t answer my call this time? What if they say no? But you’re still here.”
“Every one of these people on the dais is a fighter… they care more about helping other people than being good athletes or good actors. That’s why they’re stars,” he went on.
Pennsylvania native Jonathan Nespoli addresses the crowd gathered at the 29th Annual Teddy Dinner on Nov. 20, 2025.Michael O’Brien
Also addressing the crowd was Pennsylvania native Jonathan Nespoli, who traveled to the Island to speak about the profound impact the foundation had on his family and his late wife, Kim, providing them with both financial and emotional support during her courageous battle with cancer.
“The Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation didn’t just help financially; that support gave Kim one more year of life and our family precious time we wouldn’t have had otherwise. But the impact went further — Kim’s story spread through the community and beyond, inspiring people across the country, opening doors to new relationships and faith, and sparking faith in others,” he poignantly shared.
“Kim lived a life of love, kindness, forgiveness and gratitude. And thanks to you, she lived that life just a little bit longer. Her story lives long and so does her life.”
Following a standing ovation for Nespoli’s remarks and other program highlights — such as auctioned items and unique experiences and photo/autograph opportunities with the dais — Atlas presented three awards recognizing individuals who embody the spirit of the foundation: the Humanitarian Award to Kevin McCabe Jr., the Champion Award to Borough President Vito Fossella, and the Jack Newfield Award to Otis Livingston.
McCabe, a native New Yorker now living in Poland who provides communications support for the Ukraine Children’s Action Project and has traveled to Ukraine multiple times to document UCAP’s impact firsthand, was a fitting recipient of the same award previously given to figures such as Cardinal Dolan and Dikembe Mutombo.
“Being here tonight surrounded by people who understand what it means to fight for others, I’m struck by how deeply the mission of Teddy’s foundation aligns with that same spirit. The Teddy Atlas Foundation steps in when people are hurting, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do. Whether it’s a child in Ukraine or a family in Staten Island, compassion doesn’t recognize borders,” he shared.
Humanitarian Award recipient Kevin McCabe Jr. poses with Teddy Atlas during the 29th Annual Teddy Dinner on Nov. 20, 2025.Michael O’Brien
BP Fossella also offered remarks following his acceptance, sharing that “The Teddy Atlas Foundation gives hope to those who think they have none and a voice to those who feel unheard. You give people the chance to live a life they never imagined. I love this community and appreciate everyone who stands up and fights for what’s right.”
Lastly, Livingston, a multi-time Emmy award winner for his work as a sports anchor, was greatly honored to receive the award named for the legendary sports journalist, sharing that “The main thing I want to say tonight is I am humbled. Looking around the dais, I am humbled by so many talented people in sports and entertainment and just to be in your presence.”
“I’m humbled to be associated with Teddy Atlas, whose passion, compassion, and caring are evident in how he runs his foundation — an extension of his father, Dr. Theodore Atlas, and his tremendous work. It’s also an honor to be associated with Jack Newfield and his legacy. Thank you all for coming out tonight; through your support, Teddy and his wonderful foundation can continue the great work they do,” he concluded.
For more information on the essential work the foundation does, visit dratlasfoundation.com.
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