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Protecting and empowering our children – New York Social Diary
The Boys’ Club of New York’s (BCNY) annual Fall Celebration was held on October 13th at The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park and raised over half a million in critical funds that support free, diverse, and high-quality programs for New York City boys and young men. This festive cocktail reception was camping themed in honor of BCNY’s innovative wilderness programming.
Event co-chairs and BCNY Women’s Board President, Dara O’Hara, hosted a beautiful evening in the park, which featured camp-inspired games, a DJ, and dancing. BCNY members and camp counselors-in-training, Jacob D. and Rayshawn A. (both in 11th grade), captivated guests as they shared what BCNY meant to them:
“There is absolutely nothing I did not love about camp. Back in the day, I wanted to join the Boys’ Club so I would have something to do after school, but BCNY has provided me with so much more.” — Rayshawn A., 11th grade, Boys’ Club member and camp counselor-in-training.
“Being at sleep-away camp really gives you a different mindset compared to living in an always moving, big city. The little things that you may take for granted when living in the city are really emphasized when you are in the woods.” — Jacob D., 11th grade, Boys’ Club member and camp counselor-in-training.
Founded in 1876, the mission of the Boys’ Club of New York is to empower boys and young men by providing diverse programs and a supportive community. BCNY’s free after-school and Saturday programs include academic support, STEM, visual and performing arts, professional development, physical health, sports, aquatics, and recreation, wellness and social- emotional development. BCNY serves over 1,000 members at clubhouses located in East Harlem and Flushing and at our Harriman Base Camp in Harriman State Park. Our open-door policy and free membership ensure any boy or young man aged 7-21 can join.
John C. Mack opened his exhibition space for A Species Between Worlds to Fairplay — the leading non-profit in protecting children from online harm — as they held their benefit on Friday evening in New York City’s Chelsea arts district. John is a longtime supporter and board member of Fairplay. Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen, expert and advocate for online transparency, was honored with the Fred Rogers Integrity Award.
Guests were treated to a discussion between Fairplay’s Executive Director Josh Golin, Jean Rogers, and Ms. Haugen. Attendees included Christy and John E. Mack, Alexandra Alexieva, Laurence and Michelle Blumberg, Paige Boller, Sheri Lambert, Ellie Manko, Liane Pei, and Benny Tabatabai.
Fairplay is the leading non-profit organization committed to helping children thrive in an increasingly commercialized, screen-obsessed culture, and the only organization dedicated to ending marketing to children. Their advocacy is grounded in the overwhelming evidence that child-targeted marketing — and the excessive screen time it encourages — undermines kids’ healthy development.
Photographs by Philip Kessler Photography (Boys’ Club)
