Annual Gala Raises Critical Funds for Homelessness Relief

BCHS’ annual cocktail gala returned to the Brooklyn Museum on May 15, 2024, for an evening of reflection, hope, and inspiration. The gala, themed ‘Pathways to Home’ also celebrated our Housing Heroes, 16 BCHS staff members with over 20 years of service to the agency.

Surinder Singh stands at a podium in front of a screen that says Brooklyn Community Housing & Services Pathways to Home Gala
Surinder Singh, BCHS Board Chairperson makes opening remarks to kick-off the gala.

This year’s event boasted nearly 200 attendees, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate the groundbreaking efforts of BCHS in providing safe and clean housing for formerly homeless and housing vulnerable individuals and families. By night’s end, over $408,547.06 was raised to support our mission of ending homelessness in Brooklyn.

Artwork created by current and past residents was prominently displayed for viewing, showcasing the impact of the agency’s art therapy program. Guests were entertained by the poetic stylings of Harlem Bomb Shelter, a spoken-word and literary arts group, who performed “Humanity/ How Did We Get Here.” The poets crafted this piece with BCHS’ mission in mind, shedding light on the issue of homelessness. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed musical selections mixed by Madison Square Garden’s in-house DJ, DJ Rumor.

The evening concluded with a live auction of items and experiences including a distillery tour at local Fort Hamilton Distillery, week-long stay at a private estate in the Catskills, a getaway to scenic Saint-Cirq Lapopie in Southern France, and tickets to the coveted Taylor Swift Eras tour in Miami, followed by canapes and dancing.

A group of 5 individuals standing, facing the camera.
A group of our ‘Housing Heroes’ -June Adams, Brenda Hamberry, Marie Degraff-Myal, Nelson Zuniga and Wanda Wu.

“BCHS has served the Brooklyn community for over 40 years, and tonight was a true testament to the compassion and commitment of our supporters. We are only able to help people move from crisis to community, and find and maintain permanent homes, because of the goodwill and generosity of so many dedicated friends,” said Jeff Nemetsky, CEO of Brooklyn Community Housing & Services.

Corporate sponsors of the gala include Monadnock Construction Inc., Arctic Air Conditioning, Monadnock Development LLC., Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C., and Lamb Insurance Services.

Visit our Facebook page to view additional event photos.

 

Article by Vanessa Salman