“Moving on means I’m becoming independent. I don’t have to look back. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.” – John Burnett, Program Participant
On Thursday, May 10th, 2018 at the Grand Hyatt New York, supporters, influencers, and ambassadors celebrated the work Urban Pathways is doing to change lives, uplift communities and end homelessness at our annual Way Home Awards & Gala.
The night opened with the staple silent auction and cocktail hour where attendees had the opportunity to network and bid on rare auction experiences in support of ending homelessness.
The dinner portion of the night was opened by former client, current advocate and Chaplin DeBorAH Dickerson as she explained what it means to have a home of her own, and finding her true calling in advocacy after being homeless.
Following her, Chief Executive Officer Fred Shack spoke about Urban Pathways’ accomplishments in the past year, the vision for the future, recognizing the night’s honorees, and our “Moving On” theme.
This year’s Gala theme was the third installment in the “continuum of services” video series. International Advocate and former Urban Pathways’ client Rob Robinson introduced the video and gave his moving story of being homeless and how that ignited his passion for advocacy for those less fortunate.
Attendees watched the inspiring “Moving On” video that featured staff who have helped move clients into independent housing, and the clients who have gone from living on the streets to having their own apartment. After the video, attendees proceeded to pledge over $100,000 with Auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla at the podium.
After Dinner, President Emeritus of the Board of Directors Gary Belsky introduced Founder and Chief Executive Officer of L&L MAG MaryAnne Gilmartin. She presented former President of Urban Pathways’ Board of Directors Sonya Covington with the Way Home Award for Community-Building.
Suzanne accepting the Way Home Award for Humanitarian Service given by Ivan Shapiro's Program Director Marcos Campos.
Marcos Campos, Program Director for Urban Pathways’ Ivan Shapiro House presented the Way Home Award for Humanitarian Service to Suzanne Manning, President of The New York Junior League for their work renovating the community room and garden at Ivan Shapiro House.
Then President of Urban Pathways’ Board of Directors Keith Berger closed the evening thanking everyone who attended the Gala and reminding our guests that they can help end homelessness through their support and by spreading awareness about the mission of Urban Pathways to their circles.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed in continuing to provide #thewayhome to homeless and at-risk New Yorkers. Check out our album from the event here.
About Urban Pathways
Urban Pathways is a New York City-based, nonprofit organization that provides housing and support to homeless and at-risk adults throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Urban Pathways serves more than 2,500 homeless individuals a year and provides transitional, extended stay and permanent housing to chronically homeless individuals.
www.urbanpathways.org
