Thank you to everyone who joined us at last night’s 2018 JCCA Celebration of Hope Gala! Our signature event raised more than $800,000 and we could not be more grateful to everyone who made this successful evening possible.
Amid the glittering crystals of the famed Rainbow Room, 250 guests enjoyed the inspiring evening, hosted by WNBC’s Melissa Russo, with a beautiful performance by jazz singer Nicole Henry. Two legendary Trustees, Howard Blitman and Stephen Sokoloff, received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their years of dedicated service to JCCA.
The most compelling voices of the night were the young people whose stories of hope and transformation were eloquently captured in their speeches and this moving video. Their hope and momentum power JCCA’s critical work every single day, and that work would not be possible without the support of our guests last night.
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- Trustees Howard Blitman, left, and Stephen Sokoloff, right, received Lifetime Achievement Awards.
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- Melanie Thompson, a JCCA client, received a standing ovation for her tremendously moving speech.
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- JCCA CEO Ronald E. Richter, left, with JCCA President Barbara Salmanson.
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- A rousing auction capped the program with a record-breaking level of participation from guests.
Notable guests included NYC ACS Commissioner David Hansell, Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti (NY-AD 92), Mt. Pleasant Chief of Police Paul Oliva, and Mt. Pleasant Cottage School Union Free School District Superintendent David Bernsley.
In the next few days, we’ll be sharing all of photos from the Gala online — you can see a sneak preview on our Facebook page. Tag yourself and share with friends!
Again, our great thanks to all of our sponsors and donors. JCCA’s work would not be possible without your generous support.
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- WNBC’s Melissa Russo hosted the evening’s program.
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- Jazz singer Nicole Henry performed a beautiful medley of songs.
