On Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 at the Grand Hyatt New York, more than 430 guests attended our Gala and raised over $800,000 in celebration of the work Urban Pathways is doing to move homeless New Yorkers of the streets.
The night opened with cocktail hour featuring a silent auction where guests networked and bid on rare auction experiences in support of Urban Pathways.
The event also featured an exhibition of the Homeless Essentials photo documentary. Guests had the opportunity to see the photographs up close and to speak with the creators and photographer of the project.
The dinner portion of the night was emceed by CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent Bill Weir, who spoke of his connection to Urban Pathways and our outreach teams. Guests then watched the inspiring Champions for Change video.
Following the video, Chief Executive Officer Fred Shack spoke about Urban Pathways’ accomplishments in the past year, the vision for the future, and recognized the night’s honorees, client speaker, and staff.
After Fred’s remarks, Urban Pathways Client Charisma White spoke of her journey from homelessness to becoming a voice for herself and others with the help of the Urban Pathways Advocacy Group. We are happy to announce that after 25 years of homelessness Charisma moved into her apartment on May 6th!
This year’s Gala video titled “The Work We Do” featured Urban Pathways’ Cluster House staff including Program Director Jacqueline Slaton and Director of Social Services Louis Farmer. The video takes you into our Cluster house residence to see the team that works with our clients to develop their independence. After the video, attendees generously pledged over $190,000 to support our work with Auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla leading the call.
After Dinner, President of the Board of Directors Steven “Shep” DiCesare introduced President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockefeller Group Dan Moore, who accepted the 2019 Award for Community Development. State Senator Roxanne Persaud also issued a Proclamation honoring Rockefeller Group for its contributions to our city.
Then President Emeritus of the Board of Directors Gary Belsky introduced Adina Lichtman, founder of Knock Knock, Give A Sock, who accepted the 2019 Award for Humanitarian Service. Adina then shared how her organization turns simple “transactions” with the homeless into lasting “interactions”.
Finally, Bill Weir closed the evening thanking everyone who attended the Gala and reminding our guests that they can directly help a homeless person by taking the Clif Bars donated by Rockefeller Group and socks donated by Bombas and Knock Knock, Give A Sock in our signature centerpieces, and giving them to someone in need.
Urban Pathways branded Clif Bars provided our phone number so that the recipient can follow-up to receive services and be connected with housing.
Thank you to all who attended and supported Urban Pathways Gala this year. The funds raised directly benefit the services we provide to at-risk and homeless New Yorkers.
Click here to view the event photo album.
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 Metropolitan area. Urban Pathways serves more than 3,700 homeless individuals a year and provides transitional, extended stay, and permanent housing to chronically homeless individuals.
www.urbanpathways.org
