Elizabeth McCarthy is joined by staff and former clients (photo: Andrea Buman)
The $210,000 raised represents a 35 percent increase over last year’s total. The proceeds will support ESS/Sheltering Arms’ operations in New York City’s low-income communities. Currently, ESS/Sheltering Arms reaches nearly 5,000 New Yorkers a year with programs that improve pre-K and afterschool education, expand future opportunities for young adults, and preserve health and wellbeing for families and communities.
This year’s benefit, which drew over 200 people, focused on the transformative impact of ESS/Sheltering Arms’ foster care program. Young adults who age out of the foster care system typically lack the resources and support necessary to achieve academic and professional success. The program included a video that shared stories of young adults who “beat the odds” after aging out of foster care. Their successes range from becoming the first in their family to obtain a college degree to giving back by working full-time for foster care agencies.
“These stories of beating the odds are an inspiration to all of us,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, Executive Director of ESS Sheltering Arms, as she addressed attendees. “If more of our kids and families are going to beat the odds as well, they’ll need support from leaders like you.”
The event was also attended by several ESS/Sheltering Arms foster care staff and former clients who represented the Sponsor a Future campaign, where individuals can donate funds toward life-changing initiatives. In addition to Morgan Stanley, presenting sponsors include Julie and Bob Daum, Virginia Miller McCarthy, Diana C. Nouri, Elizabeth P. Munson and Robert L. Von Stade, and Jennifer and Peter Wallace.
About ESS/Sheltering Arms
Founded in 1831, ESS is a non-sectarian human services organization serving up to 5,000 of New York City’s most vulnerable citizens each year through foster care and adoption, family preservation, early childhood education, after-school programs, group homes, and day programs for developmentally disabled adults. More information on ESS can be found at http://www.essnyc.org.
Contact:
Mohan Sivaloganathan
Phone: (212) 886-5604
sivaloganathanm@
http://www.essnyc.org
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
