Outgoing UN Ambassador Haley addresses Alfred E. Smith Dinner

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley gave the keynote speech at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in Midtown Manhattan Thursday night.

Haley joked that, “The president called me this morning and gave me some really good advice. He said if you get stuck just brag about his accomplishments."

Each year politicians, celebrities and some of the most powerful New Yorkers gather together to put differences aside and raise money for Catholic Charities that help needy children in New York City.

“We must recognize that we are all Americans and we are stronger and healthier when we are united,” said Haley. 

This year, host Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, gave a blessing and also addressed the recent clergy child sex abuse scandal plaguing the Catholic Church.

“Might I ask your mercy on a church that we have also blushed at her being at her worst,” said Dolan.

During an election year presidential candidates stop here for some light hearted roasting.

In 2016, the dinner guests included candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. It had some here wondering if Ambassador Haley is testing the waters for a possible 2020 run.

The Master of Ceremonies actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan poked fun at the speculation and said, “She’s not running okay. If she were running she would have resigned before the midterms!”

The crowd gave Ambassador Haley a standing ovation.