Graham’s Annual Gala benefit (May 23, 2024)

Spectacular! Graham’s Annual Gala benefit, which was held on May 23rd in honor of Joan Haffenreffer and the Bronxville Friends of Graham Windham was truly dazzling! Over 300 people came out in support of Graham’s children and families. With full Board support and generous gifts from so many caring New Yorkers, we raised over $2 million to help 4,500+ children and families achieve their education, work, and life goals.

The night opened with Graham’s Cornerstone Dance Group, Starrz N Motion dancing with fierce energy and excitement, and closed with a spirited performance by Broadway veterans, Angie Schworer and Jim Borstelmann. With their high energy performances, the room was cheering and smiling from ear to ear. Click here to see photos from the wonderful celebration.

Thanks to our Co-Chairs Rich Rothman and Ken Bryant for inspiring others to embrace our mission as we seek to support Graham’s transformational initiatives. It was so powerful to share the work of Graham with close friends and new guests alike. We welcomed to the stage Anne Williams-Isom, New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and Former Graham Windham Board member, as well as Bronxville natives, Judy Foley, Ashleigh Donovan, Maureen Barton, Dana MacNaughton, Tracy McVey, Pamela Minetti, Gene Orsenigo, and Callie Solomon. These distinguished guests helped us pay tribute to Joan and The Bronxville community’s extraordinary years of dedication and leadership. Together, we celebrated the collective efforts of our Board, staff, and volunteers, a mighty and passionate team, over 700 strong.

Special thanks to our Gala benefit committee led by trustee Heather McVeigh with support from CMI Events, and Graham’s own Mayra Pacheco. And shout out to Ebony Cannon, Community School Director at The Bronx Academy for Multi-Media in Hunts Point, for providing riveting testimony about the transformative impact of being a Graham SLAM coach, and how it positively affected her personal life. Gabriel Butu, our professional auctioneer led the successful “Fund a Coach” appeal and surpassed our goal by raising more than $337K, ensuring that 67 youth will benefit from having a SLAM coach this year. 

We are grateful for everyone who could attend this year’s Gala. For the countless others who care about Graham but could not join us, we appreciate your support and look forward to sharing upcoming Graham events with you.