Lifting Up Westchester 2024 Gala Journal

May 16, 2024

Dear Guests,

Welcome to Lifting Up Westchester’s Gala – The Next Generation Lifts!

We are pleased to celebrate tonight with so many members of the wonderful Lifting Up Westchester community. Whether you are an early champion, just getting to know us, or somewhere in between, we are grateful to each of you for joining us. Together, we are providing life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet other basic needs.

This year, we shine a spotlight on the “next generation.” We honor the students participating in our youth programs for their resilience and determination to build a more secure future for themselves and their families. We also recognize the young people who generously give their time, talent, and treasure to ensure Lifting Up Westchester’s programs and services endure. They all inspire us with their creativity, compassion, and commitment to a community where everyone thrives.

We are also proudly celebrating three incredible honorees whose generosity and volunteerism have a significant impact on the people we serve — and in particular our youth programs. Congratulations to The Disability Guys –Markhoff & Mittman, Santina Leuci, and KeyBank for this well-deserved recognition. Partners, like you, allow us to enrich and expand our services so we can provide holistic support to the greatest number of people. We truly appreciate your unwavering commitment and engagement in our mission.

At Lifting Up Westchester, we envision a community where everyone has a stable place to call home. We believe that housing is the foundation on which a person’s well-being and advancement is built. With secure housing, we have the ability to focus on improving our health, education, and employment. Our team helps people find a home, build on that foundation, and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

On behalf of all of us at Lifting Up Westchester, thank you for believing in the people we serve. We hope that you enjoy tonight’s celebration and join us again soon!

Gratefully,

Anahaita N. Kotval Chief Executive Officer

Thank You Gala Sponsors

Matt Darnall & Kathleen Kiernan

Janine & Lloyd Daughtry

Despina Kartson & Frank Faeth

Anahaita Kotval & Zubeen Shroff

John & Debra Morrison

Carlos & Kassie Muñoz

Hannah & John Nelson

Barbara & Mike Satow

Walter & Sylvia Simon

Jeffrey & Mara Talpins

• HONOREE •

MARKHOFF & MITTMAN THE DISABILITY GUYS

Accepted By Brian Mittman, Owner & Managing Partner

Markhoff & Mittman, The Disability Guys have been dedicated supporters of our mission since 2015. Their commitment shines year-round, from making sandwiches for Grace’s Kitchen to kicking off the holiday season by assembling grocery bags for the families we serve. Each year, during our annual Summer Camp, Markhoff & Mittman’s entire team close down their office to host a carnival for our campers, complete with inflatable games, a magic show, and prizes. The results are pure joy and unforgettable memories. Beyond their stellar volunteerism, the Markhoff & Mittman team consistently reach out to understand how they can best lend a hand to Lifting Up Westchester and those we serve.

• HONOREE

SANTINA LEUCI

Santina Leuci began volunteering with LUW in 2017 when she learned more about children experiencing homelessness, hunger, and extreme poverty right here in Westchester County. Next thing she knew, her house was full of donated items, and she was doing anything she could to lessen the need. Over the years, Santina has established herself as a pillar in our summer camp. You can find her there leading arts and crafts sessions, delighting the kids with their very own ice cream truck, or gathering supplies for a pizza party—simple pleasures made possible by her kindness and generosity.

•

HONOREE •

KEYBANK

Accepted By John Manginelli, Market President

KeyBank is focused on helping communities grow. Since 2008, they have been supporting our mission through grants. Their most recent $200,000 grant allowed us to launch our employment center, Job Central, in downtown White Plains. The four full-time Employment Specialist there include a youth specialist. Because of the funds that created this program, many young people have a path forward to financial independence and success. We celebrate the strategic giving of KeyBank and are so proud and appreciative of their ongoing partnership.

Board of Directors

George Kontogiannis, Esq. President

Despina Kartson Vice President

Mike DiNizo Treasurer

Max Gaujean Secretary

Diane Aparisio Kacy Brady

Robert Brown

Dana Bryant

Calvin Chin

Janine Daughtry

Elena Gallo

Steve Groth

Andrew Heath

Mamta Mamik

Adil Mistry

John Morrison

Hannah M. Nelson

John Sabalja

Neal Siena

Senior Leadership Team

Anahaita N. Kotval Chief Executive Officer

Willa Brody Chief Operating Officer

Carolyn Kihm Director of Human Resources

Jessica Timms Chief Development Officer

Eileen Torres Director of Youth Services

Carl Williams Chief Financial Officer

Gala Committee

Rob Brown

Event Chair

Scarlett Allen

Robert Lamont Bynoe

Janine Daughtry

Tiffanie Gray

Jacqueline Hattar

Una Hopkins

Ellen LaNicca

Jessica Lecornu

Hannah Nelson

Jen Premisler

Akeera Ramjohn

Chris Sdao

Lauren Wyler-Smith

Thank You Raffle Donors

Robert Brown

Una Hopkins

Adil Mistry

David Nelson

Hannah Nelson

Thank You to Our Gala Volunteers

Anna O’Hanlon

Nik O’Hanlon

Vika O’Hanlon

Alex Porcelli

Ethan Silliman

Jake Silliman

Community Council

Kristin Ashman

Mayo Bartlett

Matt Darnall

Hans Dorsainvil

Louis Gallo

Lisa Gubernick

Michael Katz

Kathleen Kiernan

Will Malpica

Ravi Mittal

Chris Porcelli

Naomi Proctor

Adam Rodriguez

Larry Ruggieri

Harri Taranto

Gilbert Torres

Emergency Shelters

For over 40 years, Open Arms Men’s Shelter has been providing nightly shelter and drop-in services to 50 homeless men and our Samaritan House Women’s Shelter to 20 homeless women.

Clients are provided with the necessities to meet their basic needs and then supported by case management staff who assist with stabilizing their mental and physical health, accessing benefits, seeking employment, and finding permanent housing.

Community Central

Community Central is a welcoming space that combines several year-round programs to support our neighbors most in need. Open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, our team guides guests so they can access essential resources and provides a safe place to participate in meaningful daytime activities.

Grace’s Kitchen provides free, nutritious breakfast and lunch on weekdays throughout the year. We serve an average of 100 guests per day, who are welcome to stay and eat in our dining room or have meals to go.

The Charlie Bevier Outreach Program supports individuals experiencing street homelessness as well as guests who come into the community kitchen. The Outreach Specialist builds trust and understanding to guide clients toward resources so they can access the unique support they need.

Lifting Up Health & Life Skills provides access to wellness, socialization, personal growth, and creative opportunities that ensure guests receive the physical, mental, and social support they need to thrive.

Job Central

Job Central is a multi-faceted program supporting individuals with the highest barriers to employment as they aspire to secure a living wage, live independently, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The program provides technology access, job readiness skills training, job search assistance, employment coaching, access to a Career Closet, professional development, and post-employment support.

Housing

At LUW, we partner with the people we serve to build a more secure future for themselves and their families. A critical piece of this is providing clients with an opportunity to move into safe, comfortable, and affordable long-term housing. Our Housing Specialists deliver holistic support to ensure that everyone has a chance to sustain their independent living. We offer short-term transitional support as well as long-term supportive housing options.

Youth Programs

Providing Youth Services since the early 1980s, LUW helps young people succeed regardless of their background or circumstances. Our educational programming reaches more than 500 students each year, giving them tools to break the cycle of poverty and achieve a brighter future. Programs include summer camp, academic tutoring, enrichment, scholarships, and mentoring for students from kindergarten through college.

Congratulations Essay Contest Winners

Thank You to Our Essay Contest Judges

Spencer Barback

Nanette H. Bourne

Meg Broderick

Linda Cardillo

Sandra Malpica Chaiken

Renee Marks Cohen

Janis Colella

Donna Drumm

Melissa Brown Eisenberg

Sr. Alice Feeley

Michael Friedman

Linda Gallo

Emily Goodman

Jack Hughes

Brian Huizingh

Lucy Iscaro

Maki Itoh

Dr. Terry Kirchner

Diane Kissner

Sharyn Kolberg

Anahaita Kotval

Danny Massey

Ellen Massey

Sydney Massey

Carolina Mora

Isabelle Barie Nelson Danner

Jonathan Nelson

Rosemary O’Grady

Chris Porcelli

Akeera Ramjohn

Alessandra Ravetti

Karen Kolbert Richelli

Vicki Schiel

Deborah Schwarz

Patricia Sheridan

Diane Solomon

Judy Siegel

Patti Slobogin

Allison Taylor

Richard Thompson

Barbara Timlin

Martha Trujillo-Torp

Jim Walkup

Alison Walsh

Penelope Yates

Building a community takes all of us

It’s not always easy to create lasting change in our communities — but it’s easier when we work together.

That’s why we support the tireless efforts of Lifting Up Westchester and the people who have devoted themselves to changing the county for the better.

Markhoff & Mittman, The Disability Guys, Santina Leuci, and KeyBank have all made a huge impact on the lives of people around them, and we’re proud to honor their work.

We’re at our best when we come together. Whether it’s sharing a meal in Westchester’s Community Kitchen or passing on new skills in Westchester’s Employment Center, it’s when we come together that real change happens.

At Mastercard, we believe in doing well by doing good. We’re proud to sponsor the good work of Lifting Up Westchester as we all build our community together.

Celebrating an organization that makes a difference

Finding a purposeful way to assist one another, turning belief into action, and working toward shared goals — these are the driving forces that lift up humanity and make a difference, one person at a time.

Wells Fargo is a proud sponsor of the 2024 Community of HOPE Gala, and salutes Lifting Up Westchester for its efforts to support neighbors in crisis by restoring the foundation necessary for them to rebuild their lives..

Lou Gallo, Commercial Banking Leader 914-286-5011

louis.p.gallo@wellsfargo.com

we believe in making a different kind of change.

A new start. A second chance. A thriving small business. A safe place to call home.

They’re all dreams we share and realities we can achieve when we commit to making a difference in our communities. KeyBank invests in, supports, and gets involved to lift up the people and places that make our communities so special. Because we believe one open door can open doors across a community.

KeyBank is proud to support Lifting Up Westchester for making a difference.

KeyBank Santina Leuci & Markhoff & Mittman P.C. as Honorees of the Lifting Up Westchester 2024 Gala

• ASSET PROTECTION

• ELDER LAW

• WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES

• GUARDIANSHIPS (CONTESTED/ NON-CONTESTED)

• MEDICAID APPLICATIONS (NURSING HOME/ HOME CARE)

And recognizes their tireless contributions to the community.

ABOUT US WHY CHOOSE PROPANE

Paraco is a family-owned and operated company that reliably delivers propane to homes and businesses.

Our mission is to provide sustainable energy services, products, and education to improve energy use efficiency and reduce emissions while always keeping your safety, comfort, and satisfaction in mind.

We are committed to serving our customers, employees, and our local communities.

Propane is Eco-Friendly and produces 43% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity.

Propane is non-toxic and non-poisonous so it won’t contaminate groundwater, marine ecosystems or other sensitive habitats.

Propane is extremely versatile and when combined with high-efficiency appliances, it can lower your energy bill.

We are proud to support Lifting Up Westchester and all those helping to lift up the next generation of our community’s leaders!

Journey Home

We hope you will join us at one of our upcoming Journey Home events!

This is a one-hour tour to learn more about our mission and impact.

Please join us for this opportunity to reframe conversations in our community about individuals who are experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Thursday, May 23rd at 9:00 AM OPEN ARMS MEN’S SHELTER

Thursday, July 18th at 10:30 AM SUMMER CAMP

Thursday, October 10th at 9:00 AM

JOB CENTRAL

Please sign up online at www.liftingupwestchester.org/thejourneyhome.

Thank You for Lifting Up Westchester With Us!