Events

NEW YORK, NY – Each year, the New York Junior League hosts a fundraising gala for its community programs and volunteer training, allowing it to continue advancing its exceptional impact in the NYC community.

Credit: Andrew Werner

The New York Junior League is one of New York City’s oldest and largest nonprofit volunteer organizations, run by 2,300+ women volunteers, focusing on uplifting women through community impact and leadership opportunities.

Credit: Andrew Werner

For this year’s gala, the organization set their sights on Cipriani South Street as their venue, with the theme of “Glamour in Gotham: Celebrating New York City’s Historic Past And Vibrant Future”. The fundraising gala, colloquially known as ‘Winter Ball’, is a black-tie event that begins with an extravagant dinner and culminates with dessert and dancing.

Credit: Andrew Werner

As is customary for fundraising galas, the NYJL conducted a live and silent auction, offering attendees the opportunity to go home with experiences such as a stay at the Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, day access to the Stamford Yacht Club, or even a private shopping experience at Alice + Olivia. Last year, the event raised over $600,000. This year’s total surpassed that by more than $100,000.

At this year’s gala, the NYJL honored several Outstanding  Sustainers and Volunteers, the highest honors attainable from the organization. These awards are typically reserved only for exceptional women who embody the core values of the NYJL and demonstrate a dedication to giving back to the greater NYC community.

Credit: Andrew Werner

The committee presented awards to two Outstanding Sustainers (A. Gale Kroeger and Elizabeth Timberan) and five Outstanding Volunteers (Mona Kelly Lopez, Moriah K. Lutz-Tveite, Susan Timmons Marks, Elizabeth Ann Beller Staryak, and Megan Zuckerman) for their efforts. In the words of NYJL President Serra Eken, “These seven women embody the New York Junior League’s humanitarian spirit and their compassion and commitment to serving their community keeps us at the forefront of meeting the needs of women, children, and families in New York.”

Quoted directly from a press release: Since 1901, the New York Junior League (NYJL) has responded to New York City’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges. Powered by more than 2,300 women volunteers, the NYJL works with more than 60 community-based organizations to advance children’s social-emotional learning and to provide life skills programs to youth and adults who are navigating periods of difficult transition. Bringing their diverse experiences and talents, trained NYJL volunteers engage women and children in health, education, and arts workshops specially customized to their needs. The NYJL also advocates with state and city government for women- and children-centered policies and develops volunteers’ leadership skills for service in the NYJL and on other nonprofit boards, all while cultivating a community that reinforces women’s personal relationships and collective power as drivers of positive change.

Credit: Andrew Werner

Credit: Andrew Werner