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NYC MISSION
SOCIETY RAISES NEARLY $600,000 AT ANNUAL "CHAMPIONS FOR
CHILDREN" BENEFIT ON APRIL 1, 2015
– 2015 Gala
Honorees were Colbert Narcisse & Hollis Russell –
New York, N.Y. –
The NYC Mission Society raised nearly $600,000 at its annual
Champions for Children gala on April 1st. The benefit
supported the Mission Society’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.
“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,” explains 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. 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.”
This year, the
NYC Mission Society honored two Champions for Children: Colbert
Narcisse, Managing Director and Global Head of
Alternative Investments, Morgan Stanley; and, Hollis
Russell, Partner, Ackerman, Levine, Cullen, Brickman &
Limmer, LLP.
"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.”
The gala was
held at the Mandarin Oriental in Columbus Circle, starting
with cocktails at 6:00 PM followed by the awards ceremony
and dinner at 7:00 PM. This year's Master of Ceremonies was Bill
Ritter, anchor at WABC-TV and 20/20 correspondent.
The Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats, an ensemble of the Afro Latin
Jazz Alliance, provided the entertainment. Grammy
Award-winner Arturo
O'Farrill, founder of ALJA, attended the gala.
Gala committee
co-chairs included Peggy
and John Bader, Carolyn
and Lloyd W. Brown, II, and John
U. Moorhead. Honorary gala chairs were Stanley
H. Rumbough and Fiona
and Stan Druckenmiller. Brooke
Laing, co-founder of the NYC Mission Society's Junior
Society, was this year's auction chair. Members of the
benefit committee included: Flo
Anthony, Sharon Bush, Suzette Charles, Penny Grant, Shannon
Hales, Ambassador Mary Ourisman & Mandell Ourisman and Christine
Schott & George Ledes. The corporate chair was Barclays.
Gala attendees included: 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, Derek Steinhiser, Elinor Tatum, Sheena
Wright, B. Michael, Marc Anthony, and Victor
De Souza.
About New York
City Mission Society
The NYC Mission
Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for
more than 200 years. Today, our progressive portfolio of
educational, restorative justice, cultural enrichment, and
workforce development programs make a positive, long-term
impact on youth in the City’s most underserved communities
by promoting academic achievement, combating violence, and
providing career opportunities. Each year, we serve more
than 13,000 children and families throughout New York City
with our programs, supportive services, and community
events. Learn more at
www.nycmissionsociety.org
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