The New York Center for Children (NYCC) raised approximately $140,000 at the 22nd Annual Spring Celebration Benefit. The annual benefit was held at Clement Restaurant at the Peninsula Hotel in New York City. The organization celebrated over 20 years of helping children who have experienced abuse achieve their potential. The event featured a Silent Auction where guests bid on coveted gifts and experiences, as well as a live jazz performance by Lucas Pino along with strolling magic by Ben Nemzer. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an impressive silent auction to benefit the charity. Auction items included A Day of Beauty at Angelo David Salon, 18 Hole Golf Round For 4 at Scarsdale Golf Club, and 10 Mind & Body Classes at Exhale Spa.
During the two and half hour event, Emcee and Standup Comedian Jason Salmon welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of the organization. He mentioned that it is the only organization in NY that has carried out this work for the past 20 years, providing therapy to 80 children each week. NYCC Board Member Susan Warren then thanked Auction Chair, Donors, Sponsors and Attendees for contributing to help more children through donations to the center. Next, the General Manager of the Peninsula New York, Jonathan Crook, said a few words about the Peninsula’s 4th annual hosting of the NYCC Spring Benefit and how important it is that “every penny goes to children who don’t have a choice”.
NYCC Vice President Linda Schoenthaler was the next to take the stage to highlight the important work that the center carries out, including support for both physical and psychological abuse, for as long as the healing takes. NYCC Senior Social Worker Sarah McNamara sharing a truly heartfelt story about one of the children from the center and how she thrives today thanks to the support that both she and her mother received from the New York Center for Children in order to overcome the trauma of being abused. It was a wonderful night for NYCC.
This year’s Sponsors included: Steve Alden, John Allen, Alexander Brodsky, Debra and Ken Caplan, Kenneth Ceppos, Jean Folsom and Andrew Glassman, Sandra Glassman, Ronnie and Marty Foont, Michael Haggen, Heidi and Colin Mitchell, James Martin, Meghan and Darryl Pardi, Katrina and Don Peebles, Christine Rales, Amy and Allan Reine, Sheri Sandler, Linda Schoenthaler, Kate and Andy Spade and Susan Warren. Corporate Sponsors of the evening are: The Peninsula, Globe Tax, Skyline Restoration, 26 Five, Broadridge, Brookfield, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Proskauer, GreenOak and PIMCO Foundation.
For more information on NYCC, visit newyorkcenterforchildren.org.
Photo: Patrick McMullan