Out and About – Scenes from ‘A Prom to Remember’

One of my favorite charity events of the year happens every October, the New York Chapter Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s ‘A Prom to Remember, hosted by the Young Professionals Leadership Committee. Its a wonderful for everyone thats been supporting and are being supported by the foundation to celebrate another year of life, love, and laughter.

So why a Prom to Remember? 

The prom-themed event was established by a group of young professionals who brainstormed ways to fundraise for the CFF. One member of the committee, diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), mentioned that she never had the opportunity to attend her high school prom, due to illness. Since then, the YPLC has been throwing its annual prom the focus of raising money to find a cure. This year’s prom was held at 230 Fifth on the Rooftop, boasting spectacular views of city, a rocking DJ, an open bar of wine, beer, and top shelf liquors, and of course a Photo Booth :) So I put on my “prom dress” and made my way to the city to dance the night away with friends in support of CFF and another amazing year.

About Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

CF is a life-threatening, inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the US (70,000 worldwide). An additional 10 million more—or about one in every 31 Americans—are carriers of the defective CF gene, but do not have the disease. The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is the late 30s. The steady rise of the median predicted age of survival suggests that improvements in treatment and care are advancing the lives of those with CF.For more info on how you can help visit www.cff.org 

Until Next Time! -xo AGT

Out and About

Escape to Portugal

Wine + Cheese = Love

Allow you senses to take you on a journey. Explore new countries without even leaving your couch by trying new wines. I attended the grand tasting/showcasing of Portugal’s wines, exploring the dry reds of Bairrada to the delicious whites from Vinho Verde. Wines were organized by region instead of whites to reds, so we were all mixing wines all night long. Good thing there were plenty of passed hors d’oeuvres going around.

What are some of your favorite wines to drink? Do you prefer reds or whites? I’m more of a white wine lover, but I’ll indulge in a glass of red from time to time.

The next tasting will be help to usher in the Summer season with a rooftop tasting and trivia night at Tavern 29, June 17th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm . Mark your calendars and take advantage of early bird prices of $35 using promo code WPTNYC. Visit http://www.winesofportugal.com/us/news-and-events/events-calendar to purchase your tickets and to check out tastings being held in other cities. Hope to see you there!

Spring Into Action Fundraising Social

Fostering Change for Children kicked off Foster Care Awareness Month with their annual Spring fundraiser at EVR. A non-profit organization based in NYC, their mission is “to improve the lives of children, families, and the individuals that support them through a wide range of innovative programs and professional trainings focused on fostering meaningful connections and finding positive and permanent solutions for youth in foster care.” www.fosteringchangeforchildren.org

The organization works to promote positive change within the child welfare system, and follows the mantra, one child at a time, which allows them to focus and provide the necessary attention to each individual without losing sight of the bigger picture. Three programs currently in place to support youth in the child welfare system are;

Children’s Corps – is a rigorous training program that develops case workers and matches them with child welfare agencies.

Adoptment – an adoption mentoring program where adults who have been adopted or spent time in foster care mentor youth who are going through similar experiences.

Specialized Training – developed to help empower service providers, policy makers, legal advocates, and others to see themselves as powerful “change agents” on behalf of children and families.

SONYA SPANN
Marketing and Development Manager

BARRY CHAFFKIN, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer

Barry Chaffkin, LCSW, the CEO and co-founder for Fostering Change for Children also celebrated a milestone birthday that night! Happy Birthday Barry!  He has worked in child welfare for over 17 years, directly supervising the reunification of over 900 children with their families as well as finalizing adoptions of over 900 children from the New York foster care system. Barry strongly believes that every child deserves a safe and permanent family, and has dedicated his life to finding new and creative ways to achieve this. Barry has two wonderful children of his own with whom he loves to spend time.

Child welfare is a concern across the country and around the world. Learn more about how you can help Fostering Change for Children by visiting their website www.fosteringchangeforchildren.org. Let’s help one child at a time in New York City, the United States, and around the World. A co-worker and friend of mine blogs at, Crazy Life of the Wilks Family. She has an amazing story to tell, follow her and her family’s journey as they adopt a child in need from China.

Enjoying Beautiful  Spring Days in NYC

Until next time! xo-AGT

Go Local – A Lasting Impression

When you travel to new places do you aspire to make a difference? To leave knowing that you had a positive impact on someone’s life?

Here are some organizations in the New York City area that are making strides in the community, inspiring change, and empowering others. Visit their websites to learn more!

City Girl Beauty Project – ​Women whose lives were affected by domestic violence and human trafficking, coming together to make a difference and be apart of the solution. ​The mission of City Girl Beauty Project is empower and impact the lives of young girls and women (ages 18 – 30) who struggle with uncertainty and low self worth as they transition into a life after domestic violence and human trafficking. – http://www.givingisglamorous.org

Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals – saving and re-homing thousands of New York City’s dogs and cats, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, is the sole umbrella organization for animal welfare in NYC.  The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals is committed to seeing the day when no New York City dog or cat of reasonable health and temperament is killed merely because he or she does not have a home. http://www.animalalliancenyc.org

Baby Buggy – Since 2001, Baby Buggy has donated over 6 million items to families in need, including diapers, strollers, bottles and toys. Their motto “Love, Recycled” fuels their mission to help families in need. – http://babybuggy.org

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) –  “nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN’s mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.” – http://www.keennewyork.org

Forestdale Inc – an organization dedicated to the future of the children of Queens [They] are committed to breaking the destructive cycle of poverty and trauma that afflicts generations of inner-city children…[Their] mission is to ensure that children have the fundamental assets they need to grow into independent and engaged adults, specifically a secure home life, education and workforce opportunity, and health literacy. With a history of service dating back to 1854, Forestdale serves as a resource for families from Astoria to Far Rockaway. http://forestdaleinc.org

Beating Cancer in Heels – Dedicated to the empowerment of women the organization provides programming that helps the individual function in their own world with a positive attitude, and a face of hope and strength.

If you are in the NYC area Thursday, May 2nd check out  the “City Girl Beauty Project’s Launch and Annual Fundraiser for survivors of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence. Learn more about the organization, their new project, and how you can help empower and inspire survivors. Visit http://citygirlbeautyproject.eventbrite.com for more details.

I hope to see you there! What are some of your favorite local organizations to volunteer with?

Until next time -xo AGT