On April 13th, the The New York City Mission Society held its annual Champions for Children Gala to support and celebrate its services that help youth and families in the city’s most underserved communities break the cycle of poverty and achieve success. The New York City Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for more than 200 years. Each year, they serve more than 18,000 children and families throughout New York City with various programs, supportive services, and community events.
The Gala was held at the Mandarin Oriental, and its several hundred attendees included former New York State Governor David Paterson, Cole Rumbough, and Fox News Channel Reporter Harris Faulkner. WABC-TV Anchor Bill Ritter served as emcee.
Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA) Founder and Artistic Director and multiple Grammy Award winner Arturo O’Farrill was honored with the nonprofit’s Visionary Partner Award. Last year, ALJA partnered with the Mission Society to launch GRIOT (Global Rhythms in Our Tribe), an educational program that provides free musical instruction to youth in Harlem and surrounding areas. So far, GRIOT has provided 60 middle and high school students with tools to become proficient in playing a musical instrument as well as opportunities to perform.
