New York, NY (April 25, 2017)—On
Monday, April 24th, 850 prominent New Yorkers gathered
at Cipriani Wall Street for the Night
of Opportunity gala,
raising $2.1 million to help students from underserved
high schools on the road to top colleges and successful
careers. The event honored David H. McCormick, Co-CEO of Bridgewater
Associates;
John F. Megrue, Jr., Chairman of Apax
Partners,
U.S.; and Will
Packer,
leading Hollywood TV and film producer.
Honorees were joined by guests including
Nicky Hilton Rothschild and James Rothschild; Alan
Patricof; Louise Camuto; George Hall; Thabiti Boone;
Gigi Stone and Dendy Engelmann. They mingled with
Opportunity Network students at the reception before
moving into the dining room for the dinner and program.
Daniel Craig, an Opportunity Network board member, sent
a video welcoming guests.
David McCormick said, “The magic in this
room is what we need for our country. We’re launching
hundreds of careers marked by meaningful contribution.”
McCormick’s global macro investment firm has over $160
billion in assets. His distinguished public service
career includes serving as Under Secretary of the
Treasury for International Affairs, Deputy National
Security Advisor and Under Secretary of Commerce for
Industry and Security.
Renowned film and television producer
Will Packer told the guests, “you are making a
difference, you are bridging the gap.” Packer is one of
Hollywood’s blockbuster hitmakers and one of the only
African- American producers in the world to have nine
films open number one at the box office. Some of his
successes include Straight
Outta Compton,
the Ride
Along franchise
and Think
Like a Man franchise.
John Megrue, Jr. said his philanthropic
journey has been a big part of his life. In addition to
longtime support for OppNet, Megrue serves as Chairman
of Born Free Africa, a nonprofit working to eliminate
HIV in newborn children around the world.
The Night of Opportunity Gala raises
funds for programs that support high potential students
from underserved schools to and through competitive
colleges, career opportunities and professional
networks. Funds from the gala will enable The
Opportunity Network to grow and serve more students.
“Right now