New York, NY— Children’s Aid hosted its seventh annual Keeping the Promise Benefit to celebrate the organization’s 164 years of service to New York City’s children, youth, and families, on Thursday, October 19, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. The organization honored Kees Kruythoff, President of Unilever North America, and Tim Ryan, US Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC, for their corporate leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for young people. The event raised nearly $1.8 million to ensure that all New York City youth have the opportunity to realize their fullest potential.

Phoebe C. Boyer led off a night that celebrated the impact of another year’s work launching young people and their families to success. “We are here tonight because we believe very deeply that all kids—especially those living in neighborhoods racked by poverty, where the consequences of ‘No’ have echoed for decades—should hear ‘Yes’ loudly and clearly and understand all that it signifies,” said Boyer.

Throughout the evening, Children’s Aid highlighted its continuum of services that support kids and families every step of the way through childhood. The benefit opened with a step routine by the Milbank Dancers and featured other Children’s Aid youth including Jaelin Whittick,15, and a junior at Frederick Douglass Academy II in Harlem, and Andrea Alarcon, 17, a senior at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in the Bronx, served as the masters of ceremonies.

Photographs from the event are available immediately. You can also view the Keeping the Promise video from the event. 

Kruythoff was recognized for his long-term commitment to sustainable living initiatives, such as health and hygiene, and hunger and nutrition.

“Children’s Aid empowers young people to become the leaders we all need,” said Kruythoff. “I fundamentally believe that those that have, have the responsibility to give. If we channel it to young people through responsible corporate partners and support for Children’s Aid, we can help equip the next generation with many of the tools they need to create better lives for themselves and, ultimately, enable them to help create their own healthy, thriving communities.”

Ryan, in response to national racial tensions, has spearheaded the creation of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, the largest CEO-led initiative to promote diversity and inclusion, representing millions of employees nationwide. The spirit behind his leadership mirrors the commitment at Children’s Aid to make certain our doors are open to everyone.

“I’m very proud to support Children’s Aid and its commitment to providing children, young people, and families with the tools and resources they need to realize their full potential,” said Ryan. “Children’s Aid has made a difference for so many who are struggling under poverty and their success in empowering and helping young people and families thrive and become leaders of their own lives is truly inspiring."

Past Keeping the Promise Gala honorees include Citi’s Gene McQuaid, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chobani’s Hamdi Ulukaya, and SAP’s Bill McDermott.

Lauren Razook Roth and John Roth, and Amy and Charlie Scharf served as Benefit Chairs. Sponsors of the event included Ambassador Unilever; Champion Leigh and Charlie Penner; and Heroes PwC, the Dimon Foundation, Beth and Ira Leventhal, Optimity Advisors, Lauren Razook Roth and John Roth, and Amy and Charlie Scharf.

Children’s Aid is an independent, nonprofit organization established to serve the children of New York City. Our mission is to help children in poverty succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive supports to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York’s neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics and camps. For additional information, please call Anthony Ramos at 212.949.4938/347.266.9730, email anthonyr@childrensaidnyc.org, or visit www.childrensaidnyc.org.