Partner Daniel P. O'Toole Awarded Philanthropic Leadership Award at the Cristian Rivera Foundation's 17th Annual Celebrity Gala
NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Daniel P. O'Toole, managing partner of Block O'Toole & Murphy, received the Philanthropic Leadership Award at the Cristian Rivera Foundation's 17th Annual Celebrity Gala this past Tuesday night. Since 2009, the Cristian Rivera Foundation (CRF) has been instrumental in the search to find a cure for D.I.P.G., a rare and deadly childhood brain tumor.
"We're here today to focus on this terrible disease. But we'll focus on it with hearts full of love," Mr. O'Toole said in his acceptance speech. "What makes this night unique is that we are all, each and every one of us assembled in this room tonight, united by love."
The star-studded event, hosted by SNL comedian Kenan Thompson, actor Luis Guzmán, and NBC Today anchor Darlene Rodriguez, also honored other members of the CRF community who have made an impact in the fight against childhood cancer. These honorees included retired MLB player David Cone, Dr. David Langer, chair of neurosurgery at Lenox Hill, CRF board member Col. Marisol Chalas, and D.I.P.G. Warrior Lisha Ayala, who has lived with the disease for 14 years.
Block O'Toole & Murphy was a gold sponsor of the event, which took place at Cipriani Wall Street. Together, attendees raised over $200,000 for the foundation through live and silent auctions. That money will go directly to supporting research, funding treatments, and providing education for the disease.
Acclaimed actors Chazz Palminteri and Bo Dietl presented Mr. O'Toole with the Philanthropic Leadership Award. Each year, the award is given to an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional philanthropic commitment to eradicating pediatric cancer. Aside from his work with the CRF, Mr. O'Toole is also proud to be a longtime supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, One Mission, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and Pony Power Therapies.
As a plaintiff personal injury attorney, Mr. O'Toole has dedicated his career – and his life – to beating impossible odds. He is honored to be recognized by the CRF, and hopes to continue aiding CRF founder John "Gungie" Rivera's work supporting children and families affected by D.I.P.G. Today, more children with the disease are living longer thanks to the organization's funding of new treatments and clinical trials.
"I know it's not supposed to happen again, that this beautiful group of people will be together in this room," said Mr. O'Toole. "But tonight, let's leave with a prayer that it will happen again. It will happen again when we get the great news that we have a cure and that the last parent has received that dreaded phone call."
About Block O'Toole & Murphy
Block O'Toole & Murphy is a top personal injury law firm serving victims who have been hurt because of another party's negligence. The firm has recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients hurt in car crashes, construction accidents, and other personal injury cases. For a free consultation, call 212-736-5300 or visit https://www.blockotoole.com/
SOURCE Block O'Toole & Murphy
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