Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) shattered a fundraising record, raising over $1.5 million at the organization’s 28th annual gala on April 28 at The New York Public Library. The event’s generous contributions provide critical services to neighbors who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in the Greater New York area.
Willie Geist, host of NBC’s Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist and co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, emceed the event, titled Stories of Hope & Resilience, celebrating the inspiring stories of the people impacted by the work of VOA-GNY.
This year’s Community Champion Award was presented to Roger G. Arrieux Jr., Deloitte New York Managing Partner and East Region Market Leader. With over 35 years of experience in finance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and business strategy, Arrieux has made a lasting impact as a business leader at Deloitte—a longstanding partner of VOA-GNY. He received the award for his outstanding leadership and dedication to building a stronger, more compassionate community—embodying the spirit of service that lies at the heart of VOA-GNY’s mission.
The night included remarks from VOA-GNY’s President and CEO Jeffrey R. Ginsburg, who emphasized how the organization’s services are needed now more than ever with the continued rise of rent in the city and New Yorkers living in poverty. He highlighted VOA-GNY’s new Housing Innovation Fund, which will help seed the development of nearly 1,000 units of affordable housing in the next five years.
“Because when you support VOA, you’re doing more than helping individuals and families in need—you’re part of a community that is taking a stand at a time when the fabric of society feels frayed,” Ginsburg said at the gala. “Together, we’re solving critical, long-standing issues, the impact of which could have a ripple effect for generations into the future.”
Reginald Goins, President & COO of The Honickman Companies, the evening’s Presenting Sponsor, and VOA-GNY’s Board Chair, remarked on the importance of giving back to the community. He invited Joseph Klingler, Senior Vice President at Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of NY, Inc. and Josephine Darretta, President at Pepsi Distributor Sales Group of New York, Inc. to share their motivation for staying involved with VOA-GNY.
Other notable guests included:
- Camille Joseph Varlack, Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff;
- Ana Almanzar, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives;
- Paul Persaud, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor;
- Amanda Farías, New York City Council Majority Leader;
- Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member;
- Ahmed Tigani, Acting Commissioner of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development;
- Joslyn Carter, NYC Department of Homeless Services Administrator;
- and Kathryn Gordon, Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs at the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
The celebration included a performance by the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, conducted by Ahra Cho.
