We don’t stage our premier fundraiser solely for the purpose of breaking a record. But when we do, that’s good news for the kids and families we serve.
On November 3, 530 guests (record #1) gathered at Guastavino’s under the 59th Street Bridge for the 6th Annual Keeping the Promise Benefit. And by the end of the night, we had raised $1.8 million (record #2) that we will use to ensure that our kids and families have the opportunity to capitalize on every ounce of their potential.
We couldn’t have done it without the support of our two honorees: Wade Davis, the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Viacom, and Hugh F. Johnston, the vice chairman and chief financial officer of PepsiCo. Their corporate leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for young people is an inspiration to so many.
The night started with the talented Children’s Aid Society Chorus and their rendition of “Happy.” And we had four incredible young people on hand. Mahil Sumbundu, 17, a senior at New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math & Science II, and Julio Reyes, 21, a business student at Binghamton University, served as the masters of ceremonies. Bridget Dennis, 22, who capitalized on the training she received at the Next Generation Center to land a job supervising about 200 peers in the concessions stands at Yankee Stadium, was the subject of our video and introduced the auction. She’s now studying at Bronx Community College. Finally, Dzifa Dzaba, 17, a senior at Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem, served as our announcer.
Regardless of any records broken, it was an incredible night celebrating the accomplishments that are possible for these young people when Children’s Aid is with them every step of the way.
