Your Town-Pajama Program By Kathleen Giordano

The Pajama Program honored Philadelphia native singer, actress, activist and best selling author Ms. Patti LaBelle as "Mother of the Year" at their fifth annual awards luncheon on May 5, at New York City's Pierre Hotel.The Pajama Program, an international non-for-profit children's charity, provides new pajamas and new and gently used books to needy and abused children. "Many times we take things like having pajamas and books for granted," says LaBelle. "But something small like having comfortable clothes to rest in can help improve the quality of children's lives. This is a wonderful organization. There are so many underprivileged and underserved children in our country and around the world and sometimes the simplest things can make big differences in their lives. Many times we take things like having pajamas and books for granted, but something small like having comfortable clothes to rest in can help improve the quality of children's lives."Between her best-selling books including Don't Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime, Patti Labelle's Lite Cuisine, Labelle Cuisine and Patti's Pearls, and her wildly-known classic ballads "On My Own" with Michael McDonald, "If Only you Knew," "You Are My Friends," and "If You Asked Me To," her most valued role is that of being a devoted mother of four. Ms. LaBelle has four sons and one daughter (one biological son and four adopted children of her late sisters). The Pajama Program was founded by entertainment promotions executive Genevieve Piturro and interior designer Alice Pagano Quirk in 2001. "Ms. LaBelle is such a selfless person and a role model to many working mothers," said Piturro. "No one is more deserving of our 'Mother of the Year' award."Previous honorees include TV personality Meredith Vieira, CNN anchor and this year's presenter Soledad O'Brien and socialite Ivana Trump.Opening and closing remarks were made by host and board member Dr. Paula Moynahan. Acknowledgements were made by Chair Sharon Marantz Walsh, with a heartfelt welcome made by co-founder Genevieve Piturro.Very dear friend, songwriter and socialite, Denise Rich presented Ms. LaBelle with the "Mother of the Year" award. Honorary co-chairs of this year's event included Countess Nubia Braschi, Mercedes Ellington, Tina Radziwill, and Ivana Trump, who is on the charity's advisory board.