  [For Historical Purposes only] Ex-Skid Row Resident's Foundation Dishes Up Its 500,000th Meal Los Angeles Times, March 16, 1996By Efrain Hernandez, Jr. Without fanfare, Ray Castellani's Frontline Foundation will deliver meal number 500,000 today to the homeless of Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. The milestone represents the power of human caring and volunteerism, Castellani said Wednesday. "It's not just the food," said the 63-year-old former Skid Row resident, whose nonprofit food kitchen is based in Van Nuys, "It's the understanding, the compassion." Known by most of those he helps simply as Ray, Castellani seemed energized after an hour of passing out more than 150 free bag lunches in some of the city's roughest, most drug-infested areas. At one stop on Seaton Street, near East 5th and Palmetto streets, several homeless men hustled toward the foundation's white pickup truck. Each man grabbed a brown paper bag containing a tuna fish sandwich and a snack. "We love this guy," said a 58-year-old local resident known as Mississippi Slim. "There's nobody better." The combination of providing meals, spending a few minutes with some of those he calls brothers and sisters, and reflecting on the efforts of the many volunteers who help the kitchen filled Castellani with joy. "I'm humbled," he said, struggling to find the right words. "Five hundred thousand meals is a lot of meals. I've done what I'm supposed to do." The kitchen, which Castellani started in December 1987, has come a long way since he nearly closed it during the summer of 1993 because donations were drying up. Last year, President Clinton honored Castellani with the President's Service Award, which is considered the nation's highest award for volunteers. Today the foundation, which operates six days a week solely through private donations and volunteerism, is healthier than ever. Castellani said an upsurge in donations and volunteers has enabled the charity to provide more than 60,000 meals a year at an annual cost of about $40,000, he said. More could be done, Castellani said. Ideally, the foundation would hire one or two staff members and double its production to about 120,000 meals each year, he said. While the vision is Castellani's, its fulfillment may be beyond his power. He said he may soon end his active role with the foundation. Heart troubles and fatigue may prevent him from continuing his 60 to 70-hour workweeks too much longer, Castellani said. "It's really a lot for me right now," he said. "I can feel the strength draining from me." But Noreen Castellani, 27, who married Ray 3 1/2 years ago, said his energy is the driving force behind the foundation's success. It is contagious and attracts volunteers, she said. Volunteers Richard Gayler, 34, of Hollywood, and Laila Bowden, 27, of Santa Monica, agreed. "He's just a guy who's so pure," Gayler, said. "He has good morals and it's really hard to find somebody like that. The people just love him." On the streets, Castellani is accepted as someone who tries to help without being judgmental, preachy or petty. "What makes him the greatest is he'll come out here rain, shine, whatever," said Mississippi Slim. "I've never seen him show any partiality or racism." Frank Bridges, who lives under a bridge along 6th Street near Santa Fe Avenue, hugged Castellani tightly before taking a meal. "He gives us an opportunity to feel like we have a home," said Bridges, 34. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Somebody cares." For Darnetta Thomas, 36, who lives in a tent on 5th Street, Castellani is different from others who help because he treats people as individuals rather than stereotypes. "Ray's a real person," she said. "There's nothing plastic about him." Castellani said his intention has always been to offer warmth to those struggling in the devastation that is Skid Row. "My only goal is to help humanity in some little way," he said. Copyright, 1996. Reprinted with permission 
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  Thanks to John Zounes, a lifetime friend of Ray's, we have some pictures. There are many more coming so check back to see if your face is in them! Ray and Host/Star Kathy Buckley discussing the evenings events Of course, there was the unbelievable food thanks to Maria's Italian Kitchen who set up an amazing cornerful of food. California Fresh Foods, The Carriage Inn, Whole Foods, Chin Chin, The Beverly Glen Deli It was amazing! Wow - was there ever a line up to get in! Here is Angela and JP waiting patiently to get in These guys were great!!! The Prodigal Suns are a Gospel group that originates right on the streets downtown. Frontline served them for years before they were able to get off the streets. Theyattribute their recovery to singing the Gospel. Their voices are beautiful. MORE PICTURES TO COME!!!! ___________________________________________ Frontline Foundation PresentsComics On The Frontline IIStarringKathy Buckley Jim BroganFrasier SmithKathy Buckley is a four time American Comedy Nominee as Best Stand Up Female Comedienne.She has won four Drama-Logue Awards for best Writing & Performance, and a 1997 Ovation Award for Best Writing of a World Premiere Play or Musical for "Don't Buck With Me" Kathy Buckley is also known as America's First Hearing Impaired Comedienne. She truly will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Jimmy Brogan is the head writer for The Tonight Show. He has done stand up comedy in New York, Seattle, San Francisco and in Los Angeles at all the hottest comedy clubs (The Improv, Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Igby's Ice House, etc.)He's been featured on the Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman and was in both the Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal HBO Specials. Jimmy is simply hilarious. You will be laughing hysterically. Frasier Smith has appeared in numerous comedy clubs all around Los Angeles. He is a well known radio personality. He hosted Frontline's first comedy night in February and was so warm and loving and funny we had to have him back. and Featuring Music By Louie Aqua Verde is a 3 man group based out of Van Nuys, CA. The musical styles of the band range from classic to grundge to punk to alternative rock. From acoustic ballads to thrashing anthems LAV encompasses many dynamics in their arrangements. Writing great material is the bands' forte. Each song takes you on an emotional journey. Kathy Buckley, Jim Brogan, Frasier Smith and Louie Aqua Verde have all graciously agreed to give of their time, freely and unconditionally, for the betterment of mankind. We are truly humbled by their kindness and generosity. Thank You To These Individuals and Companies Who Are Contributing Sponsors: JAMES F. CAIRD President The Train Stop Your Model Railroading Headquarters 909-599-2602 Robert Cohen Martin Quiroz, Public Affairs Director Dave Hansen Economy Rooter Drain Cleaning (818)846-6442 Fred Rabban Real Estate Broker Specializing in Real Estate Sales & Loans Rodeo Mortgage Corp. (818)344-4494 Specialty Photo Lab A Full Service Black And White in House Custom Photo Lab 805)962-6765 Ken K. Behzadi - Attorney at Law Specializing in Real Estate, Criminal, State and Federal (310)441-9341Hilli Dunlap Enterprises, Inc.Marketing Research Specializing in Mystery Shoppers (818)760-7688 Paul and Penny Armbruster Robin KaplanHairstylist (310)820-2797 Frances O'Brien Clover Behrend & Paul Gethard Jean Miller Our thanks also to these generous restaurants who will be donating all the food: (310) 475 - 2719 Bel Air, CA Multiple Locations (818) 885-7856 Northridge, CA (818)762-5548 Studio City, CA (818) 787-2300 Van Nuys, CA Saturday Evening, November 7, 1998 Hors D'oeuvres & Cash Bar at 7:00 pm, Comedy Show Begins at 8:00 Castilian Ballroom - Radisson Hotel, Sherman Oaks, CA $25.00 per person tax deductible donation Advance Ticket Purchases Only To Purchase Tickets: Send Donation to: Frontline Foundation P.O. Box 570303, Tarzana, CA 91357 We will send your tickets directly to you OR Email Us and Request A Flyer and Return Envelope This event is particularly important to Frontline. It's really the first time Frontline has made the leap into the large fundraising arena. The Ballroom holds 300 people, and our goal is to meet that. But we really need your help. We must get these tickets sold in advance. We need you to get some friends together, or bring your relatives. Think of some people who would love to laugh and would love to feel the energy that will be ever present on this special evening. Please help us.     People Who Stick Their Necks Out
by The Giraffe Project Happy Times - June, 1998Ray Castellani played the villain in hundreds of TV and movie Westerns, but his career deteriorated and finally disappeared altogether as a result of his drinking. Castellani says he can remember "standing outside 20th Century Fox and not remembering what show I was in, much less what my lines were." He lost his family, his reputation, and his home, then spent several years drifting in and out of homelessness while he battled the bottle. When he finally sobered up, instead of trying to get back the comfortable life he once had, he went to work helping the people with whom he had once shared the streets. _______________________________ When he finally sobered up, instead of trying to get back the comfortable life he once had, he went to work helping the people with whom he had once shared the streets. Big hearted Ray Castellani doesn't judge or preach to the destitute people he helps ______________________________________________ When he finally sobered up, instead of trying to get back the comfortable life he once had, he went to work helping the people with whom he had once shared the streets. Castellani had his own ideas about how to help the homeless - he gave them food with no rules, no regulations, no scripture - just food. He made up batches of sandwiches and distributed them from the back of the pickup truck where he lived. When his truck was stolen, publicity about the theft brought a flood of volunteers and donations. Now with two trucks, a central kitchen, more than 100 volunteers and a minuscule budget, full-time volunteer Castellani and his Frontline Foundation are cooking and serving nearly 2,000 meals a week. These days the former villain is wearing a very white hat. The Giraffe Project is a non-profit organization that moves people to stick their necks out for the common good. You can visit their Web Site at: http://www.giraffe.org/giraffe/  Skid Row Volunteer's Gloom Turns To Joy As The Help Pours In Los Angeles Times - February 17, 1990 By Tracy Kaplan - Times Staff Writer Touched by the story of Ray Castellani, the man whose efforts to feed the homeless were jeopardized when his truck was stolen this week, a radio station Friday presented him with a brand new pickup and others offered everything from imported gourmet coffees to free gasoline. The outpuring of support overwhelmed Castellani, who had used his white truck to transport meals and serve them up to the homeless on Skid Row three times a week for the last two years - until it was stolen Wednesday in Sherman Oaks. "This is awesome. I'm overpowered by the love people have shown," Castellani said, his eyes filling with tears 'when he learned of the offers. "When I lost that truck, I lost hope. I thought it was a sign that I should stop what I was doing." "Instead, it's a miracle," he said. Offers of assistance began pouring in when radio disc jockey Ken Cooper read Castellani's story in The Times and detailed his plight over the air on country music station KZLA-FM. "I've worked in New York, Chicago and Atlanta, and I've never seen anything like the generosity of people here," Cooper said. Castellani, 56, had vowed after the theft to somehow deliver meals to the "smelly, pokey, dirty, beautiful boys" on Skid Row who depended on him to bring the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baloney and hot dogs. But the situation had looked bleak until the offers came pouring in. One man called and offered his used truck. Another had a camper shell he was willing to give. By 10 a.m., Castellani and his "boys" had also been promised a burglar alarm and a six-month supply of free gasoline. Meanwhile, calls were coming from others who wanted to help. Ernest Lieblich, a Los Angeles resident who owns a coffee supply company, offered to buy Castellani a $4,000 camper shell so he could continue sleeping in his truck. Lieblich also threw in a free supply of gourmet coffees because, he said, "as long as the homeless are going to drink coffee, it might as well be good stuff." "I was very moved by his story," said Lieblich, 75. "When somebody goes to that extent, sacrifices his whole life to help people, I think it's the least I can do." Even famed hair stylist Vidal Sassoon stepped in with an offer to donate his oldest son's used pickup truck. Mayor Tom Bradley had his staff ask the Greater Los Angeles Motor Car Dealers Assn. to donate a vehicle, a request the organization was eagerly considering, said association spokesman Ron Ballanti. "I was flabbergasted," said Castellani, who learned of the gifts while preparing sandwiches in the basement kitchen of the United Methodist Church in Sherman Oaks, which the Frontline Foundation he formed in 1987 uses as its headquarters. Castellani also has received a job offer. Tom Wathen, chairman of Pinkerton Security, said Friday that if Castellani contacts him immediately, he will train him to be a uniformed security officer. "I thought, 'What a wonderful thing he is doing,"' said Wathen, a Los Angeles resident. "We'll be happy to arrange for him to be interviewed quickly if he is interested in working for us." As the day wore on, it turned out that the man with the used truck, whose full name the radio station did not note in the excitement, called back to say he was having trouble transferring the title. At that point, station manager Norman M. Epstein decided, "What the hell, let's just buy him a truck." Soon Castellani was climbing into a new, $9,000 red pickup. "I'm going to drive it downtown," he said, "and just let everyone touch it - it's a piece of love." Times Staff writer Linda Chong contributed to this article. Reprinted with permission. Copyright 1990, Los Angeles Times  Ray Castellani's Writings
The Touch of the Master’s Hand by Ray Castellani, September, 1998 One of the greatest - no, the greatest treasure of life, I firmly believe - is freedom of self - to stand amid the center of a hurricane and have calm of soul - the awareness I sense - to know and feel tranquility within my heart - not to be ruffled or swayed in any direction - nor to be steeped in fear - worry or discontentment - the eye of the storm centered in my being - relinquishing only love - compassion and understanding - for the human race - to be able to put the welfare of others ahead of my own - to be able to feel someone else’s pain or to share in their dream - to avoid argument and retaliation - to respect the viewpoints of others - to be able to listen - There were years I was involved with self - The lack of freedom - disallowing the comfort of giving freely - the fears that are attached to the constant thought of myself - echoed consistently through my very existence - This is why I believe freedom of self is the greatest gift I received in this world of ours - I believe this is why I love the streets of Skid Row so much - I feel the intensity of humanity - It is an honor for me to serve the people of the streets - a privilege to be used as an instrument - Eleven years will be coming up soon - I am as excited now as I was on Dec. 5, 1987 - to pull my truck up at 5th and Crocker, downtown Los Angeles -I am as humbled now as I was when I left downtown the first time - I take no credit for the demonstration of this powerful miracle for the betterment of mankind - It was orchestrated by the Master - truly the Touch Of The Master’s Hand -Not only did He involve me, but thousands of others contributing to His pure entity of love - for His children of the streets - But are not we His children also? A circle of compassion - a ring of hope - a smile for many - a tear for some - Thank you again dear people for being involved on this journey - for without you - the journey would be but a dream devoid of action - Excerpt from Frontline Today Newsletter (archives) When the Editor of Frontline Today asked me to write something about reaching 500,000 meals served, I procrastinated a few weeks - trying to find prolific words with profound and deep meaning. Much to my dismay I could not come up with anything. I have not the ability to put into words the magnitude and the overwhelming feeling I have inside my heart. Most of us have seen the Rose Bowl filled to capacity on New Year's Day. Take one moment and visualize it and multiply it by five. Five hundred thousand meals. These meals were served in an area known as Skid Row, downtown Los Angeles, on the streets - not protected by buildings or fences. The learning process was not easy. And yet, the learning took place. Looking back over the years since 1987, I see thousands of faces. I see the hands that reach for our meals. I see those dark streets at night with the fires. I see the hopeless, the helpless. I see the strong and the weak. I see the wounds of the body. I see the sickness. I see the the agony. I see the dead. I have seen mankind bleed. I have seen mankind cry out for help. I have seen the despair of the human soul. I have touched, held, and rocked many people that will never see the dawn of a new day. The learning process did take place. The ability for me to feel with such passion; to hear the cries with such clarity; to sense my fellow man with a purity that runs so deep; to see the cleanliness of the ragged clothed being; to know the true meaning of purity; to comprehend honesty to its' fullest; to enter the world of unselfishness, free of any wants; and to know love. I thank my God for allowing me to be his instrument. I thank my wife who stood by my side. I thank all the people who gave to this powerful display of God's will. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ In February Frontline and Ray suffered a great loss - the tragic and very untimely death of one of our beautiful volunteers, Josh Randell. The following is an obituary written by Ray about this young man, a "Humanitarian in Training" as Ray would call him. Frontline will be forever indebted for your service to mankind - for your love - for your dignified caring for the people of the streets of Skid Row, downtown Los Angeles - for your purity of thought - your uncomplicated measure of unselfishness - the enduring hours you have put in at the kitchen for the sole purpose of giving with no return so as not to compromise your values. When I told you to peel each egg with love, you looked at me inquisitively. I explained it one more time; a smile came to your face and the connection was made. At age 15 you have touched so many. You have shadowed the hopelessness, the despaired, the tired, the weak, the strong, with your entity of compassion. You have crossed the final pathway that will endure eternity. As each of us take our step, your hand will guide us to meet the master. ________________________________________________________________________ No one ever wins in a tragedy, and yet they occur everyday throughout our world. No city or town nor village ever escapes the Holocaust of tragedy. It is what it is - the darkest of the dark, the sorrow beyond compromise. The imagery never ends. The devastation of the soul, the wound without healing. There is no place on Earth one can go to escape this never ending light of darkness. FALL, 1998
We Need You To Make the Vision A Reality I came home and Ray excitedly told me how he’d gone out and rented the ballroom at the Radisson. I was flabbergasted! With no plan in mind, with no backing, nothing, he’d just done it. Later I realized Frontline’s beginning had no plan, no support, no backing. In the same "inspired" way Castellani had a vision. Eleven years later I must trust his "calling" was divinely inspired - it had to have been because it worked. Over 610,000 meals have been served. I guess I must trust that this too will work. The support has come, the comediennes have committed, the food is secured. Gathering people to fill the room with love and laughter is all that’s left. You’re all we need. As of printing, we have sold 124 tickets for our comedy fundraiser. What we need is 300. We’re close but we need you. Please help! The Touch of the Master’s Hand by Ray Castellani founder of the Frontline Foundation One of the greatest - no, the greatest treasure of my life, I firmly believe, is freedom of self; to stand amid the center of a hurricane and have calm of soul; the awareness I sense, to know and feel tranquility within my heart, not to be ruffled or swayed in any direction, nor to be steeped in fear, worry or discontentment; the eye of the storm centered in my being relinquishing only love and compassion and understanding for the human race; to be able to put the welfare of others ahead of my own; to be able to feel someone else’s pain or to share in their dream; to avoid argument and retaliation; to respect the viewpoints of others; to be able to listen. There were years I was involved with self. The lack of freedom - disallowing the comfort of giving freely - the fears that are attached to the constant thought of myself echoed consistently through my very existence. This is why I believe freedom of self is the greatest gift I received in this world of ours. I believe this is why I love the streets of Skid Row so much. I feel the intensity of humanity. It is an honor for me to serve the people of the streets - a privilege to be used as an instrument. Eleven years will be coming up soon. I am as excited now as I was on Dec. 5, 1987 to pull my truck up at 5th and Crocker, downtown Los Angeles. I am as humbled now as I was when I left downtown the first time. I take no credit for the demonstration of this powerful miracle for the betterment of mankind. It was orchestrated by the Master - truly the Touch Of The Master’s Hand. Not only did He involve me, but thousands of others contributing to His pure entity of love for His children of the streets. But are not we His children also? A circle of compassion, a ring of hope, a smile for many, a tear for some. Thank you again dear people for being involved on this journey, for without you the journey would be but a dream devoid of action. Other Frontline News Ben & Jerry’s has showered Frontline again with their love. They recently held a Free Cone Day and also made a donation to us. Our love and thanks. Thanks to Heather Meeker at Earthlink, they now host our Frontline web site. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Earthlink for helping to bring awareness to Frontline and the people on the streets downtown. Western Waste continues to give such love to Frontline, which it has done since we re-located our kitchen some 8 years ago - without hesitation and with total care and love. Thank you so very much. Make sure to give Frontline your email address! Thank you to all our donors - you’ve helped so many downtown. Women’s Recovery House Remains Active Oasis Women’s Recovery, a half-way house for recovering alcoholic and drug addicted women, continues to find it within their hearts to be Frontline 80 members, kitchen volunteers and downtown food servers. For the past 4 years Oasis women have been going downtown serving food and carrying the message of love. Their mission on the streets is simply to give love and food. Currently, Connie Julian has been in charge of their Tuesday trip downtown. Connie and the Oasis volunteers see the same faces week after week, year after year. Some have become dear friends, like Ross, an exceptional person downtown - college graduate, ex-professional football player, a guy always looking out for odd jobs downtown, a man who cares how he looks and cares about himself. He also cares deeply for the people on the street. In a recent conversation, Connie recalled a few friends downtown who she had seen sink into the depths of hunger and despair. One man, a blind man, came down looking for his wife who had been abusing drugs. He never left. Another man really stood out when Connie met him, in nice clothing and a brand new backpack. Over time she saw him "melt down into the people" and become one of them. He no longer stood out. She is amazed how people seem to drop from society, end up downtown to live their lives, law free, with only the rules and standards of the streets to live by. Frontline has had thousands come downtown with us. Each person has had their own experiences, met different people, heard hundreds of stories. It’s a heartwrenching situation to see how many live, and it takes a strong, compassionate heart to come back week after week as Oasis women have done. Kudos to Oasis, for your love, care, kindness, and above all else, your action. Read in the next newsletter about Jerry Connors, Paul & Penny Armbruster & Bill Gifford. KCAL Ch. 9 Gets Behind Frontline Thanks to some great networking, Frontline has picked up the love of one of LA’s leading local television stations, KCAL Ch. 9. Saturday morning volunteer and Frontline supporter Carol Pietrasanta connected Frontline with Dennis Phillips who spoke at length with KCAL about Frontline’s 11 years on the streets. Moved and motivated, KCAL’s Public Service Director Martin Quiroz met with Ray Castellani. Eager to involve the station in the heart of the community, KCAL signed on as a sponsor for our comedy event, as well as began running our public service announcement that was created and produced by Frontline volunteers Marisa Tranquilli and Nigel Lizaranzo. Since the meeting, Quiroz has shown Frontline tremendous support and love. As Castellani was leaving the meeting he said, "I really feel like KCAL has gotten behind Frontline." Make sure to tune in to KCAL Ch. 9 for their great programming but also to see Frontline’s newly produced public service announcement. And, you can check out their web site for local news and community events at http://www.kcal9.com Don’t Forget To Visit Frontline’s Web Site www.frontline-foundation.org The site is fully stocked with many past articles about Ray Castellani and Frontline, as well as a plethora of pictures, facts, and current Frontline happenings. Thank you to Earthlink for hosting our web site! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ray Castellani was recently made an "Honorary Rotarian" in the Mid San Fernando Sunrise Rotary Club. The Club has been very supportive of Castellani and Frontline, helping with food pick-ups, bakery runs, and most recently, being a sponsor in our $1,000 giveaway. Castellani said he was honored to be associated with such an active group. No one ever wins in a tragedy, and yet they occus everyday throughout our world. No city or town nor village ever escapes the Holocaust of tragedy. It is what it is - the darkest of the dark, the sorrow beyond compromise.
The imagery never ends. The devastation of the soul, the wound without healing. There is no place on Earth one can go to escape this never ending light of darkness. Excerpt from Castellani's Commencement Address at the Albany Academy - June, 1997 This is a moment - to be remembered - this is a moment that will be remembered - in the hearts - minds - bodies - and souls - of each and every one of you sitting here - this day - June 11, 1997 - The 184th Commencement - of the Albany Academy. I congratulate each of you - that is graduating today - I want to thank - each one of you - for this beautiful - and prestigious - honor - you have bestowed upon me - It is both humbling - and heartwarming - I welcome it - I cherish it. I would like to invite the student body - that will eventually meet the requirements - to have their own commencement day - in future years to come - to share in this moment - As you look on in wonderment - asking yourself - "Will that day ever come?" - I assure you it will - Be patient - Enjoy your trip - for one day - you will look back - at this whole period of time -and realize - how short it was. I would like to invite the faculty - from the art instructor - to the math teacher - from English - to music - to science - to history - to language - to the librarian - whose labor - delicate and most arduous task - of teaching these young men - has come to an end today - Your patience - your love - your caring - your compassion - your tolerance - your unlimited framework - for your abilities - to teach young minds - and prepare them for life itself - must be commended - There are apprehensions somewhat - as I speak - a little sadness also - to see these young men - leave your ward - I believe it is outweighed - by the tremendous feeling of joy - each of you - also - must feel - by the communion - of accomplishment - and success - that is witnessed here - today. These young men will never forget you - You have given them life's greatest - commodity - knowledge - preparing them to walk life's path - to see the pitfalls - and to utilize - to the utmost of their abilities - the teachings - that have been taught here - at this academy - Dear faculty - please share in this moment. To the athletic director - to the coaches - to the assistants - to the program itself - of physical education - The evening - is drawing near - your job - also - has come to an end - You have trained the mind - and body - to act as one - the spirit of winning - eased the heartbreak - when you lost - They have learned what competition - was all about - and sportsmanship - above all - In today's sports oriented society of ours - we do need leaders - You have done - your very best - to uphold the integrity - and dignity - of the task at hand - You have taught these young men - the boundaries of the game - the uncalled for fouls - the timely - time-outs - that they will utilize - for the rest of their life - as they step onto the playing field - of our complex - and ever so changing world - I invite you to share in this moment. To the parents - let me not forget you - for each of you were present - at the beginning - of their journey - Reflect with me - your tears of joy - when your son was born - the days - the years - that followed - when he first smiled - realizing he had a mother and a father - When he took his first step - when he said his first word - when he blew out candle - number 1 - The nights you stayed awake - because he were crying - the fears - that you gently eased - The worries - you endured - for the values you instilled in him - so that he may walk in peace - the times he was sick - and you nursed him back to health - for the love - tears - joys - and understanding - you gave - to accompany him - for his lifetime - the sacrifices - there were so many - the braces on his teeth - the events you came to see your son excel in - how proud you were - And that first time he came to you - and asked you for the car - And the deep concern - each of you have - that your son be a light of hope - for someone whose courage - is faltering - that he may be used as an instrument - to give - to heal - To fulfill life's forum - for the betterment - of mankind - I invite you to share in this moment. To all the friends - the sisters - the brothers - grandmothers and grandfathers - uncles - aunts and cousins - I invite you to share in this moment - for each of you - share in part - the library of knowledge - that exists in the mind - and heart - of each young man - that is graduating today. The Alumni Association with its vast outreach program - undertaking the task of linking 65 or 70 years of graduates - to present day functions - at the Academy - which you the class of 1997 - will be a part of - in a very short time - to make the same journey - that many of us have made - I invite you to share in this moment. The Board of Trustees - year after year - working tirelessly - for the betterment of the school - and the integrity - of the students - making decisions that must be made - for the future of the Academy - to keep up with change - the one facet of life - that is constant - it is not an easy task - I commend each of you - you are truly unsung heroes - I invite you to share in this moment - And to the surrounding staff that support the Academy - the web of intricacies - the secretaries - the staff at the buttery - and the Academy Store - to the gentleman that warms your school in winter - and keeps it clean - by day - The cornerstone of this Academy - has been laid some 184 years ago -1813 to be exact - The Albany Academy - highest standards - compelling values - the workings of this institution - are far reaching - and never ending - encompassing - and weathering - incredulous - and most phenomenal -periods of history - our country has faced - From the war of 1812 - the Civil War - The turn of the 20th century - Vaccines wiping out small pox - and polio - From the horse - to the car - to the plane - to the rocket - From a walk down Main Street USA - to that historical walk - on the moon itself - We have fought two World Wars - Korea - Vietnam - the Gulf War - Heart transplants - are no longer a figment - of the imagination - We have endured earthquakes - hurricanes - tornadoes - floods - snowstorms - heat waves - And the introduction of the atomic age - I could go on but I think I'd better stop here - This is what the Albany Academy has seen - and much more - Today it sees the class of 1997 - standing ever so proud - standing tall - this class will always be unique - to this year - to this day - for you are the only ones graduating - from the Albany Academy - at this particular moment Today we entrust the present - future - and the overwhelming task - of preserving the ethics - our founders laid for us - to Head of School - Lawerence T. Piatelli - the legacy is in good hands - strong hands - steeped deep in integrity - He dignifies the essence of purity - and has compassion - for the soul - He does not compromise - his values - nor justify - his positions -The welfare of the student - is paramount - He will lead most - of this student body - into the 21st Century - He will be able to guide - and give you courage - in troubled times - when they arise - He will placate - the fears - and encourage - the spirit - He will be your head of School - he will be your strength - until you have your own - And many a times - he must stand alone - in the solitude of his own thoughts - to make a decision - a very lonely place to be in - Head of School - Mr. Piatelli - I invite you to share - in this moment. To these beautiful young men - I care about you - I care about your welfare - I care that each of you - hear something I say - something that you can carry from me - for the rest of your life - as I will carry this moment - I spend with you - for the rest of my life. This is truly your moment - This class has spent the better part of six years - together - some more - You know each other very well - you know who did what - when - and where - went on your first dates together - saw your best friend cry - because he broke up with his first girlfriend - went to your first dance together - got your first awards - played your first game of varsity football - swam your first meet - how your heart beat before the start - Alliance - and Allegiance - you all had with each other - for each other. How about all the worries of passing a test - or getting a paper in on time - Or how about when you got in trouble - and were sent to the office - that heart beat again - didn't it? Each of you know this school - inside and out - it will never leave you - as long as you live - And somehow I believe - that these halls - these classrooms - still house some of the teachers - and students - that have passed on - The step out - the excitement of tomorrow - the accomplishments of today - the journey- with it's twists - some good - some not so good - the joys that will come your way - the girlfriend - that you will marry - the wife - that will bear your child. Some of you will be lawyers - doctors - physicists - chemists - actors - businessmen - or just a man - that has a feel - for humanity- - you name it - It is here - in this class of 1997 - The journey you're on - will see the blinds open - to the 21st century - It is your century - A lot different from the beginning of the 20th century - for our world - and the people in it - move rapidly - swiftly - and sometimes without thinking - Some of you will be asked to solve - world problems - to contribute - to the salvation - of our society itself. We have a troubled society - beware - Some of you here today - may be able to ease the pain - that will exist - in the heart - of the unborn - You are prepared - you are equipped - the shadows that exist for the 21st century - are many - The challenges - that you will be asked to face - in the century to come - are many - from overpopulation - global warming - extinction of our beautiful animals - that inhabit our Earth - the pollution - of our oceans - and water ways - the very air - that we breathe - And as the years pass - you will have instant recall - of how it was in the year of 1997 - And when you come back to your reunion - you will reflect - for just a moment - and relive the picture - that is here today - coupling it with the thought - of how simple life was - in 1997 - For this year truly - belongs to you. As most of you know - I was here in April - to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award - a tremendous honor - And as I sat in the fourth grade room - I thought back to 1943 - and my fourth grade teacher - Ms. Swantee - I was sent here - because I couldn't read - or spell - I had been held back 2 years - as I went into this grade - I was not too literate - a mild absence of knowledge - I was 10 years old - when I arrived at the Albany Academy - but before then - I spent three years in an orphanage - from 4 to 7 - not a nice place to be in - in 1937 - When one tried to run away - they caught him - laid him out on a table - sat us all around - in a big room - and made us watch - as they whipped - that boy fiercely - far beyond his crime - I can still see it - I can still hear the cries - By the time I was 7 years of age - the only inner feeling I knew - was loneliness - It haunted me - it beguiled me - it wounded me so deep - that to this day - I can still recall - those feelings - Many a time during those years- I huddled in a corner - and cried - Those feelings have never left me - From that orphanage in New York - to another - across the river in Troy - But this time I was close to Albany - I planned an escape - For I knew -where my grandfather -lived - On that Saturday - so many years ago - I - in the literal sense - ran to the house - on the corner - of Maine and New Scotland Avenue - I remember it so clearly - Down the stairs - to the cellar - I went - weeping so - most frightened - I pounded on the door - My Grandfather came - opened it - I looked up at him and I said - "Please don't let them take me back, Grandpa" I pleaded - I begged - I cried - He stood six feet two - He picked me up in his arms - and said - "Nobody is ever going to take you away again"- I can still feel the strength - the power - of his arms around me - I lived with him - in the cellar - for three glorious years - I never wanted to leave his side - I loved him so much - He gave me hope - He gave me love - He gave me warmth - He gave me compassion - He gave me life - Today he is with me - As I walk in the September of my years - the vision of my Grandfather - becomes ever so prevalent - for I know he will be - waiting for me - one more time - to hold me - and guide - me through eternity. I was allowed to have wine - as a youngster - little did I know the effect - it would have on me later - I want to speak of some of these ironies of life - I don't want to hide behind any mask - of self deluded ideas - or images - I want you young men - to see me as I am - to feel me - to know me - I don't want any of you to think - I'm misleading you - or trying to put something - in your head - that doesn't belong there - I'm not - I do not want - in any way - to tamper - with the inner beauty - each of you have - I am passionately concerned - about each of you - I would love nothing more - than to transmit the passion - that is swirling around - inside of me - to each of you. So many times you will hear said - "The young men of today - are the hope - and future - of tomorrow" - What a burden - The future of tomorrow - on your shoulders - You haven't gotten through today yet - You will wake up one day - and say - " I am so far behind - it doesn't matter any more " - You are not the hope of the future - You are the hope - you are the young men - of today - The Now - Each of you have the capability - within your grasp - of making a difference - today - with your knowledge - your energy - your ideas - with your compassion - your tolerance- your understanding - your love - your lust - for life itself - Each of you - here today - have that capacity - what a triumph - what a concept. As I stated - a few moments ago - I was 10 years of age - when I arrived here - at the Academy - I graduated in 1952 - and I had a lust for life - The only formal education I received - was here - at this institution - my foundation - I carried this foundation - with me - to New York - to become an actor - The Marine Corp interrupted my quest - for a period of three years - In 1957 I was back acting again - plays in New York - Summer Stock - Repertory - TV - etc. - that little bit of wine - I had as a child - had progressed - as part of my demeanor - In those late 50's - my talent as an actor grew - At one time Helen Hayes - one of the finest actresses of our time - came back stage - to congratulate me on my performance - Just 7 or 8 years later - in 1966 - after coming to Hollywood - and doing many TV shows - in the early sixties - I stood outside 20th Century Fox Studio - I did not know what show - I was on - let alone my lines - I had to ask the guard at the gate - what show I was doing - the use and abuse of alcohol - had rendered me - almost immobile - that talented young actor - the one that could learn 450 lines - and perform three days later - was no more. For the next three years - the tortures of life - the downhill slide that seemed to never end - the Skid Rows I have seen many - been on many - from New York - to Miami - to Los Angeles - the hopelessness - the fears - the deterioration - of my mind - my body - my soul itself - loneliness - and despair - prevailed - By 1969 I was bleeding internally - huge sores on my body - that would never heal - long hair - bearded - dirty - audio - and visual - hallucinations - black outs - I shuffled as I walked - I spoke in circles - I could not pronounce words - I weighed but 140 pounds - One ounce of alcohol - rendered me immobile - I was 36 years of age - I was dying. Sometime in July of 1969 - a warm - and all encompassing feeling -came over me - the realization that death - was eminent - and near - A moment later - I held a bottle of Gin in my hand - And I uttered these words - "Please God help me - I don't want to drink this." - Next month - July- 28 years will have passed - since my cry - of despair - was heard - for I have been without alcohol or drugs - whatsoever in my body - for this period of time - a miracle - For many years - I was ashamed to come back to the Academy - for I had done nothing - accomplished nothing - I just gave heartache - to any one - I came in contact with - I was ashamed - to see my teachers - I was ashamed - to see my classmates - But those same classmates - that were at this ceremony - with me - 45 years ago - came to my side - with love - and understanding - they didn't care - what I had accomplished in life - they just wanted to see me - This is the bond - that will last the ages - for each of you - You will all go your separate ways - but the graduating class - of 1997 - from the Albany Academy - will forever - be together - Faces will change with time - bodies altered by age - hair thinner- voices differ - But 1997 - will never change - It is here now - and it belongs to you - In 1987 I was most discouraged - I had done many T.V. shows - worked with some of the top people in Hollywood - honed my talent back - to where it was - when I was a young actor - But disappointment set in - the loss of a Broadway play - The never ending roles on TV - that were always the same - another realization - that things would never change - came to me - I decided to leave Hollywood - and my life as I knew it - I took off in my white truck - for parts unknown - living out of the back of my truck - I traveled absolutely nowhere - for several months - pounding my dashboard - pleading for guidance - begging for help - crying at times - despondent - angry - and ever so lonely - one more time - I was 54 years of age. I'd like to say right here - I had a vision - But that's not true - it sure would make a nice story - One day while driving in that truck of mine - I had a feeling come over me - to go back to Los Angeles - much against my will I did - As the next several days unfolded - I was directed by this inner feeling - to serve food in the downtown area - known as the Skid Row section - This was not on my personal agenda - I want this understood - But I was obedient - to the feeling On Dec 5 1987 it was a rainy Friday night - cold - miserable - At three in the morning - I made 111 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - and waited for dawn - a couple of friends of mine - showed up around 8 am - and downtown I went - Since that rainy Saturday morning - what was only to be - a short moment in my life - turned into a decade - the 111 sandwiches - have now grown to over 575,000 meals served - to the destitute - the homeless - the downtrodden - the despaired - to the unwanted - and discarded human beings - of our society - where water - is a premium - on hot summer days - and soup - a welcome - on cold - winter nights. In 1992 - I received a magnificent letter - from President Bush - In 1994 a beautiful letter - from President Clinton - And on a warm Spring day - in 1995 - over the loud speaker - came these words - "Ladies and Gentleman - the President of the United States of America " - For one brief moment - as the President came through the Oval Office - into the Rose Garden - the vision of past Presidents became prominent - I saw President Roosevelt - I saw Truman - Eisenhower - I saw President Kennedy - fragmented seconds they were - I realized where I was - I came from my own depths of despair - to the highest office - of our country - to meet the most powerful man - in the world - And when President Clinton - gave me this elegant medal - he said to me - "Thank you Ray - for taking care of the people - of Skid Row - in Los Angeles" - I said thank you Mr. President - I had tears - emotions - and wonderment for this precious moment - I accepted this tribute - on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers - and the thousands of people that have supported me - and the residents of Skid Row - I am truly interwoven - with this society of people - and how proud they were - that I met the President - I have spent the better part of 10 years of my life - on the streets of Skid Row - this time no alcohol - no drugs - The darkened streets - at night with the fires - the scarred souls - where hope is at a minimum - where rape - murder - prostitution - stabbings - gun shot wounds - drugs - alcohol - gang bangers - and violence beyond reproach - sleep by day - somewhat - I have held twisting bodies - ravaged by alcohol convulsions - I have held bodies fallen -by heart attacks - I have held these bodies in my arms - waiting for the paramedics to come - I have hugged the lonely - of our society - I have had them weep - in my arms - I have felt the stomach - of the pregnant women - for they did not know - who the father was - I have intervened in knife fights - I can speak the language of the streets - but also - the language of the heart - I have been the father - mother - sister - brother these people didn't have - And every time I left downtown - I also wept - for I realized I was used again - as an instrument - of the Will of God - for the betterment - of mankind - what a privilege- what an honor - Four principles - have dominated my make-up - for many years now - allow me to share them with you - Purity - honesty - unselfishness - and love - With these principles - and only these principles - I have been able to face - with dignity - the onslaught of humanity that suffers so - I have gained the respect - the love of thousands - I see no color - I see no man nor woman - I only see equality for the human race - There is no room in my heart - for prejudice - Purity cannot embrace segregation - nor bigotry - nor can it differentiate between male or female - young or old - black or white - One glass of distilled water - one drop of ink - into that glass - it becomes contaminated - deceit - hate - dishonesty - selfishness - resentment - anger - etc. - etc. - become contaminants - of the mind - and soul - when allowed to infiltrate - one's thinking - The second of these principles is - honesty - most powerful - every moment of life that passes - is a true moment - It is an honest moment or a dishonest moment - You make that choice - Each of you are gifted - with the power of choice - within your own framework - You all know the boundaries - of honesty - or dishonesty - Third principle - struggling to stay alive - in our world today - Unselfishness - To give purely - to ask for nothing - to put the welfare of someone - or something ahead of oneself - to wake up in the morning - with the sole purpose - of helping mankind - to go to bed at night - knowing I have been a contributor - to the mainstream of life - for the betterment of the human race - To be free of self - with this principle in place - an individual can do - so much - for so many - Unselfishness - a priceless principle - and attribute - to encompass - "Grant me - that I may not so much seek - to be consoled - as to console - To be understood - as to understand - To be loved - as to love - For it is in the giving - that we receive - It is in the pardoning - that we are pardoned - And it is in dying - that we are born to eternal life" - Most succinct - most elegant - most profound - St. Francis of Assisi - 1182-1226 Love - is the last of these four principles - In order for me to love - there must be no conditions - A mountain can be moved with this simple concept in place - I received a letter in 1965 - the letter came from my father's brother - I didn't know my father - so obviously - I didn't know his brother - When I opened the letter - a small group of baby pictures - became visible - I looked at the pictures - they were of me - the letter went something like this - "On February 18, 1965 - your father - was so riddled with cancer - so weak - he could not hold a glass of water - in his hand -Nonetheless - he managed - to get out of bed - go over to his dresser - pull out these pictures and say " - "This is my son's birthday" - He died 12 days later - He was my father - He loved me - He had no conditions - I do not rationalize - justify - or compromise these principles - When times are tough - these principles will supercede - the agony - and when times are good - they will accent - the joys - You will realize a freedom - beyond any expectation - you will enjoy peace of mind - and you will have power - that will carry you through life's - triumphs - and tragedies - You will be able to function on any plane - of life itself - cope with any situation - that may come up - you will be able to face - any human being - on this Earth of ours - with the utmost clarity - and dignity - You have been educated to the highest level - thus far - you are qualified to enter any college - in the United States - or other parts of the world - What an accomplishment - Each of you must be proud - knowing what you have done - a big sigh of relief - also- to realize - that 1997 - has finally come - This is the last time you will be together - in this form - only your memory - will prevail. I ask each and every person - sitting here today - experiencing this graduation - to focus - for a moment - to channel your love - your compassion - your understanding - your wisdom - your energy - allow it to flow here - to each - and every one - of these beautiful young men - Let them take a part of you - with them - now - as they go from here - I ask you - Be a part of their journey - be a part of their life - be a part of their world - from this day forward - There is an adage - It goes like this - "What he is - speaks so loud - I cannot hear a word he says - by example" - Each of you - are an example - for the betterment of mankind - not through words - but by action - We are together - we are equal - You are my examples - You are my teachers - I walk - not in front of you - but by your side - Whatever it is you must learn in life - always remember - when the pupil is ready - the teacher will appear- As you walk from these halls - may your hearts be full - may your joys of tomorrow - be your realities of today - Each of you are perfect the way you are - I am not out to change anyone - my only challenge in life is to comfort the soul - to still the racing mind - for a moment - to give back to humanity - the courage - it has given me - to carry on - to be an example - of caring - Interwoven on the broad cloth of life - are many distractions - pulling and tugging - at the very core - of the ethics - you live by - Do not lose sight - of what it is you are destined - to achieve in your lifetime - Follow your dreams - Stay focused - whether it be selling flowers on the street corner - or re-arranging the stars in the heavens. Falter not as you go - you are well prepared - schooled to the highest level - uncompromised in your thinking - the courage each of you have - will stand strong - you are a most beautiful group - highly gifted - you have given to me - a most precious moment - a moment I will take with me - and share with the people - by the fires - on the streets - of Skid Row - on those cold winter nights - a moment that will last eternally - in my heart - And that lonely - empty feeling inside my soul - that I have carried so long - will be at rest - a bit - when I think of this moment - I walk away from this most magnificent - and beautiful - and energized area - of love - with a lifetime of dreams fulfilled - Thank you for allowing me to share - this time - with you. May each of you - stand tall - among the giants - of humanity - and when you reach your destination - as I have reached mine - I hope you find - what I have found - that the end - was but a beginning - May God bless you - until we meet again. Head of School - Mr. Piatelli - it is my honor - to present to you - the graduating class of 1997. Excerpt from Frontline Today Newsletter When the Editor of Frontline Today asked me to write something about reaching 500,000 meals served, I procrastinated a few weeks - trying to find prolific words with profound and deep meaning. Much to my dismay I could not come up with anything. I have not the ability to put into words the magnitude and the overwhelming feeling I have inside my heart. Most of us have seen the Rose Bowl filled to capacity on New Year's Day. Take one moment and visualize it and multiply it by five. Five hundred thousand meals. These meals were served in an area known as Skid Row, downtown Los Angeles, on the streets - not protected by buildings or fences. The learning process was not easy. And yet, the learning took place. Looking back over the years since 1987, I see thousands of faces. I see the hands that reach for our meals. I see those dark streets at night with the fires. I see the hopeless, the helpless. I see the strong and the weak. I see the wounds of the body. I see the sickness. I see the the agony. I see the dead. I have seen mankind bleed. I have seen mankind cry out for help. I have seen the despair of the human soul. I have touched, held, and rocked many people that will never see the dawn of a new day. The learning process did take place. The ability for me to feel with such passion; to hear the cries with such clarity; to sense my fellow man with a purity that runs so deep; to see the cleanliness of the ragged clothed being; to know the true meaning of purity; to comprehend honesty to its' fullest; to enter the world of unselfishness, free of any wants; and to know love. I thank my God for allowing me to be his instrument. I thank my wife who stood by my side. I thank all the people who gave to this powerful display of God's will. ___________________________________________________________________ In February Frontline and Ray suffered a great loss - the tragic and very untimely death of one of our beautiful volunteers, Josh Randell. The following is an obituary written by Ray about this young man, a "Humanitarian in Training" as Ray would call him. Frontline will be forever indebted for your service to mankind - for your love - for your dignified caring for the people of the streets of Skid Row, downtown Los Angeles - for your purity of thought - your uncomplicated measure of unselfishness - the enduring hours you have put in at the kitchen for the sole purpose of giving with no return so as not to compromise your values. When I told you to peel each egg with love, you looked at me inquisitively. I explained it one more time; a smile came to your face and the connection was made. At age 15 you have touched so many. You have shadowed the hopelessness, the despaired, the tired, the weak, the strong, with your entity of compassion. You have crossed the final pathway that will endure eternity. As each of us take our step, your hand will guide us to meet the master. |
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