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Colbert Narcisse, Jean Shafiroff, Elsie McCabe Thompson, Honoree Hollis Russell. Photo: Courtesy of Annie Watt.
On a day known for practical jokes, the New York City Mission Society chose to elevate awareness about increasing poverty in New York City, vowing that “Fighting poverty is no laughing matter.”
On April 1st, the 203-year-old nonprofit organization raised nearly $600,000 at its annual Champions for Children Gala at the Mandarin Oriental, overlooking Central Park from Columbus Circle.
“Our mission is clear: keep fighting for those in need. For more than two centuries the NYC Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty,” said Elsie McCabe Thompson, President of the NYC Mission Society. “This year, we held our benefit on a day known for practical jokes so we can trumpet our message that fighting poverty is no laughing matter.”
McCabe Thompson added, “Too many children and families in our city and country are in desperate need of help to overcome poverty. We at the NYC Mission Society take this need seriously, and vow to continue leading the fight to create new opportunities and improve lives.”
The benefit, which supports the organization’s programs and services that help youth and families in our city’s most underserved communities to break the cycle of poverty and achieve success, drew about 250 people.
“We were thrilled to honor these two extraordinary individuals whose philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of so many,” said gala Chair Jean Shafiroff. “We are deeply indebted to all those who have given countless hours and endless energy to planning this gala, because in the end, we all recognize the need for more people to step forward to combat poverty.”
This year’s Champions for Children were Colbert Narcisse, Managing Director and Global Head of Alternative Investments, Morgan Stanley, and, Hollis Russell, Partner, Ackerman, Levine, Cullen, Brickman & Limmer, LLP.
WABC anchorman Bill Ritter, welcomed the crowd, and the Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats, an ensemble of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, provided the entertainment throughout the evening as Grammy Award-winner Arturo O’Farrill, founder of ALJA, looked on.
Spotted in the room were: former Mayor David Dinkins, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., New York City Council Member Jumaane Williams, David Banks, Erik Bottcher, Geoffrey Bradfield, Valentino Carlotti, Natasha Das, former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, Joseph Fichera, L. Priscilla Hall, Brooke Laing, Gregory Mays, Scott Nammacher, Amelia Ogunlisi, James Peterson, Cole Rumbough, Martin Shafiroff, Derek Steinhiser, Elinor Tatum, Sheena Wright, B. Michael, Marc Anthony, and Victor De Souza.
The NYC Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for more than 200 years. Each year, the organization serves more than 13,000 children and families in New York City through a portfolio of educational, restorative justice, cultural enrichment, and workforce development programs.
Mingxing Lin, Joshua Morgan, Melissa DeJesus. Photo: Courtesy of Annie Watt
At the gala, three program participants spoke eloquently about how the Mission Society has changed their lives, and fueled their determination to succeed.
Melissa De Jesus, a fourth grader from the Bronx, said her involvement with the Power Academy program has taught her new skills. “When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer and I want to go to a great college like Harvard of Yale,” she said. “I know that I am not going to get into those schools without a great application, but thanks to the Mission Society, I know I can work hard and achieve my dreams.”
Joshua Morgan, a supervisor with the Mission Society’s Cure Violence Initiative in the Bronx, said the organization has allowed him to help others. “I see every day the effect we have on those who think that violence and crime is the answer,” he said. “I let them know there are better ways. I feel fortunate to be able to inspire hope in others.”
And Mingxing Lin, who emigrated to New York City only three years ago with no English skills, said the Mission Society’s “Learning to Work” program has helped her land internships and stay motivated to become a leader.
“The Mission Society’s ‘Learning to Work’ program has helped me improve my public speaking and prepared me for work,” she said. “I now dream of becoming a math teacher. You have prepared me for my career and my future.”
–by Jeff Simmons