Every year, the Children’s Aid family comes together to celebrate the way we strengthen kids, families, and communities and galvanize the support of the many donors who make the work possible. This year was yet another standout.

On October 19, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, we honored Kees Kruythoff, President of Unilever North America, and Tim Ryan, US Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC, for their corporate leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for young people. The event raised nearly $1.8 million to ensure that all New York City youth have the opportunity to realize their fullest potential.

Our president and CEO, Phoebe C. Boyer, summed it up best: “We are here tonight because we believe very deeply that all kids—especially those living in neighborhoods racked by poverty, where the consequences of ‘No’ have echoed for decades—should hear ‘Yes’ loudly and clearly and understand all that it signifies.”

Throughout the evening, Children’s Aid highlighted its continuum of services that support kids and families every step of the way through childhood. The benefit opened with a step routine by the Milbank Dancers and featured other Children’s Aid youth, including Jaelin Whittick,15, and Andrea Alarcon, 17, who served as the masters of ceremonies.

You can view photographs from the event here. 

Kruythoff was recognized for his long-term commitment to sustainable living initiatives, such as health and hygiene, and hunger and nutrition.

“Children’s Aid empowers young people to become the leaders we all need,” said Kruythoff. “I fundamentally believe that those that have, have the responsibility to give. If we channel it to young people through responsible corporate partners and support for Children’s Aid, we can help equip the next generation with many of the tools they need to create better lives for themselves and, ultimately, enable them to help create their own healthy, thriving communities.”

Ryan, in response to national racial tensions, has spearheaded the creation of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, the largest CEO-led initiative to promote diversity and inclusion, representing millions of employees nationwide. The spirit behind his leadership mirrors the commitment at Children’s Aid to make certain our doors are open to everyone.

“I’m very proud to support Children’s Aid and its commitment to providing children, young people, and families with the tools and resources they need to realize their full potential,” said Ryan. “Children’s Aid has made a difference for so many who are struggling under poverty and their success in empowering and helping young people and families thrive and become leaders of their own lives is truly inspiring."

Many thanks to Lauren Razook Roth and John Roth, and Amy and Charlie Scharf, who served as Benefit Chairs. Sponsors of the event included Ambassador Unilever; Champion Leigh and Charlie Penner; and Heroes PwC, the Dimon Foundation, Beth and Ira Leventhal, Optimity Advisors, Lauren Razook Roth and John Roth, and Amy and Charlie Scharf.