East Side House Settlement 18th Annual Gala

Apr 17

Apr 17 East Side House Settlement 18th Annual Gala

On April 13, 2017, East Side House Settlement hosted the 18th Annual Gala Preview of the 2017 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. The Gala was attended by over 1,200 people from a variety of industries across fashion, finance and philanthropy, all with the common interest of getting a sneak peek of the auto show before it opened to the public. The Gala Preview included a cocktail party, a dinner for benefactors, a silent auction and a live auction of the first 2018 Range Rover Velar; a mid-size SUV that combines elegance, luxury, and all-terrain capability.

Upon entering the Gala, guests were greeted by servers holding an array of delicious hors d'oeuvres and sparkling champagne. A cocktail party wouldn’t be complete without a premium open bar, and there were multiple fully-serviced bars spread across the floor for guests’ convenience. A photo booth was provided for attendees to take pictures to remember the event-filled night. New models of cars coupled with curators were on display with guests welcome to step into the car for the full experience. In keeping up with today’s current trends, guests were able to partake in Virtual Reality experiences made to replicate the experiences of being in the Range Rover Velar and Ben Ainslie Racing. The silent auction contained fabulous prizes that include art pieces, tickets to the 2017 American Music Awards, tickets to a Lady Gaga Concert, vacation getaways, and expensive wines.

In an overwhelming success, the event raised more than $500,000. All the proceeds will directly benefit East Side House Settlement, a non-profit organization providing education and social services throughout the Bronx and northern Manhattan.

The donations will help people in pivotal moments of their lives such as funding for college. Thanks to East Side House Settlement’s programs, 97% of Pre-K students graduate school-ready and 6,000 children and young adults are reached everyday through the program.

East Side House Settlement strives to give people the opportunity to better their lives through education and post-education services. It is one of the oldest social service organizations in New York City, helping nearly 10,000 people every year. Programs include early childhood programs, after-school programs, college and career readiness programs, and workforce development. In 2016, nearly 1000 at-risk students would not have graduated without East Side House Settlement, 70% of these students went on to gain college acceptance.

Support of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association and the New York International Auto Show makes it possible for East Side House Settlement to continue helping people through their programs every year. The Gala would not have been possible if it weren’t for the Gala co-chairs Philip L. Yang and Christopher LaSusa, along with the Benefit Committee chairs Samuel P.C. Dangremond, Stuart Orenstein, and Eric Wittenberg.