Southamptonites Honored at 'Give Kids a Shot Gala'

At the National Meningitis Association's Give Kids a Shot Gala, a benefit to save lives from the deadly but vaccine-preventable disease, honored several individuals in the forefront of educating the community and the government of the pressing need for vaccinating all children as early as possible. The gala took place at the New York Athletic Club at Central Park South on Monday, April 23, the evening before World Meningitis Day.

Southampton actress, activist and philanthropist Sara Herbert-Galloway and her fiancé, sports and entertainment business manager Barry Klarberg of Monarch Wealth & Business Management, received the Nancy Ford Springer Inspiration Award for their long standing support of NMA.

Gala co-chair veteran publicist Gary Springer, who represented the Hamptons International Film Festival for many years, and his son Para-Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Springer, who lost his limbs to meningitis 12 years ago, presented the award to the couple.

As well as their own commitment to the fight, Galloway’s teen children Justin and Alana Galloway have been teen Ambassadors for NMA for the last two years. Also honored were Jeri Acosta & Jeri Greenwell who received the Moms on Meningitis Award and cutting edge drug firm Sanofi Pasteur.  

Emmy-winning actor Richard Thomas emceed the event, at which two-time Tony Award-winner James Naughton performed in front of an audience that included many prominent East Enders: Jean Shafiroff, Lucia Hwong, James and Kedakai Lipton, Berry Brown, Cassandra Seidenfeld, John Catsimatidis, Bonnie Pfeifer and Dr. Howard Sobel and wife Gayle Perry-Sobel.

To learn more about this preventable disease that strikes young people especially those involved with athletics or living in close quarters at camp, schools or colleges, visit www.nmaus.org.