NEWS

Partnership with Children raised over $575,000 at its 2012 Spring Gala held on Tuesday, May 1. The evening was filled with inspiring words spoken by students, current and graduates, staff and treasured friends. Two Partnership with Children alumni, Isaiah Hall and Jose Mendez, emceed the event, both sharing their own struggles growing up and how the organization steered them towards the right path. We were also joined by our student speaker for the evening, Unique Wisdom, who has worked with us for two year and credited her improved academics, attendance and social development to her relationship with Partnership with Children. The three—a seventh grader, an MBA graduate and a US Navy soldier—shared different stories, but faced the same overall struggles growing up. While now at such different points of their lives, each found security and direction with the help of Partnership with Children. It was inspiring to watch the instant bond formed between the three, brought about through similar experiences and hope for the future.

Bill Tucker, CEO of MediaVest, was honored and presented with the Anne Vanderbilt Award for Achievement. Originally from the Bronx, Mr. Tucker is no stranger to community involvement and has maintained a longtime commitment to creating a better future for generations of New Yorkers. Mr. Tucker’s speech focused on Partnership with Children’s good work—the students he’s met, the challenges he sees them struggle with day in and day out, the dedicated staff and the systemic change the organization is making in the lives of the students and families we serve.

Each year, Partnership with Children selects a Critical Initiative—a project that is absolutely essential to the success of our children and youth. This year’s Critical Initiative focused on keeping our students in school and graduating high school. Absenteeism rates are one of the most accurate predictors of high school dropout rates. By 6th grade, a student routinely missing 20% of school has a 75% chance of dropping out in high school. Every high school dropout costs more than $400,000 in lost earnings and lost taxes over the lifetime of one individual and an enormous drain on our healthcare, welfare, housing and criminal justice systems. For $1,000 we provide services to a student at risk of failure, preventing high school dropouts. We raised $90,000 at the Gala to keep 90 students in school and graduate.

We thank our supporters who contributed to the success of our Spring Gala. A big thank you also goes out to our partners who made this evening possible! Rick North, Partnership with Children Board of Directors member, served as this year’s event Chair. Dinner co-chairs for the event included Jim Hoffman of NBC Universal, Peter King Hunsinger of Conde Nast, Nick Johnson of NBC Sports and Mark F. Lund of NBC Owned Television Stations.

And again, a HUGE thank you to Bill Tucker, a great friend of the organization, who has taken the time to learn more about our organization first hand through meeting our students, staff and continuing to spread the work about our impact on at-risk students.

For photos from our 2012 Spring Gala, please click here.

Coverage in New York Nonprofit Press (5/8/12)