An Unforgettable Evening at the Met
The YMCA of Greater New York’s annual Heroes of New York Gala, held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on June 13, was a night to remember. Together, we raised $1.4 Million to support the thousands of New Yorkers who rely on the Y’s free community programs like college and career access programs, childcare, immigrant services, food pantries, and more.
Congratulations to this year’s 2024 Dodge Award Honorees! Our 30-year partner New York Life, an early supporter of Y Afterschool and a key funder of Y Scholars, was honored for their legacy of service to our young people, creating pathways to success and inspiring bright futures. Also a partner for three decades, we are proud to have recognized Deloitte for their impactful community investment that affects lasting change in our city and its people. We celebrated the legendary John Starks of the New York Knicks as well for his philanthropy through his foundation’s 3 Point Scholarship Program, aiding students in their higher education pursuits.
The evening featured a special tribute to Jack and Valerie Rowe on the 10th anniversary of the Y Rowe Scholars college access program. In spirit of our mission to serve New Yorkers, the gala was truly a celebration of our Heroes of New York’s impact on communities across the city.
Teens Take the City (Hall)
In this culminating New York City Hall event, over 160 Teens Take the City (TTC) participants, staff, and stakeholders gathered from across the city to present, debate, and vote on their policy proposals to their peers, advisors, Y staff, and local elected officials.
From addressing safety issues on the subway to seeking resources for asylum seekers, TTC participants envision a better future for our city, and this event is a testament to the power of their civic engagement.
“TTC has taught me the importance of advocacy and being a voice for people who don’t have one,” said Lakshmi Raghunath, TTC Youth Manhattan Borough President.
Of the ten bills proposed, the three bills that passed addressed improving sexual education in public schools (Flushing 194); issues of smoke shops close to schools (Jamaica Community School MS217); raising the age to purchase a legal firearm (Rockaway Village Academy).
Teens Take the City (TTC) is a free civic engagement Y program that educates teens in government and public policy, empowering them to make a difference in their community. Learn more about Teens Take the City.
Golf for Good with YMCA Counseling Service
The YMCA Counseling Service held its second Annual Monsignor Jeff Conway Memorial Golf Outing on June 3, bringing together the community to raise critical funds to support the branch’s addiction prevention and counseling services available for children, adolescents, adults, and families. It was a beautiful day on the green at Grand Oaks Country Club to golf for a good cause.
In memory of Monsignor Jeff Conway, who fought tirelessly against the substance use epidemic, these funds support financial assistance available to those seeking services, allowing children, adults, and families to participate in essential counseling programs for free or reduced costs.
Special thanks to community leaders Frank Lettera and Craig Carter and the group of dedicated volunteers that organized this event, embodying the spirit of community and support that Monsignor Jeff Conway championed.
Dressing Teens with Dreams: Capital Group at Vanderbilt Y
On May 15, the Y hosted a teen clothing drive in collaboration with Capital Group at the Vanderbilt Y. We are immensely grateful to Capital Group employees for collecting plenty of clothing, accessories, and shoes for students, most of whom participate in Y Rowe Scholars, who may not have access to professional clothing.
Students from the Harlem, Vanderbilt, Chinatown, and West Side Ys, as well as various off sites, were able to select professional clothes and accessories in a shopping-style experience, leaving with tote bags full of clothing to set them up for success. Our Capital Group volunteers were so helpful - some students even learned to tie a tie and received fashion advice from volunteers.
Successfully preparing students for interviews and professional careers is just one way we support Y Rowe Scholars in preparing for their futures. We look forward to hosting our College Decision Day at Capital Group’s New York City office on June 27.
