Moscow in Manhattan, the inaugural event for LSA’s new Junior Board, raised over $10,000 for LSA Education and Youth Services.

April 15, 2015 — Over 70 guests filled Moscow 57 on the Lower East Side for “Moscow in Manhattan,” a fundraising event hosted by LSA Family Health Service’s newly established Junior Board. The goal of the Junior Board is to create an opportunity for young professionals to become more deeply engaged with the organization and prepare them to take on greater leadership roles.

LSA’s Junior Board is an extention of the New Friends Committee, a group of young dynamic NYC professionals who want to be involved in LSA’s work in East Harlem. Throughout the year, committee members participate in volunteer activities with LSA families, such as a recent Spring Arts & Crafts event. They also raise funds through social networking events at popular hotspots like Moscow 57.

The success of this approach to recruiting future leaders can be seen in the current Chairman of the Board of Directors, Scott DePetris, who became involved with LSA 15 years ago through the New Friends Committee.

“As a Junior Board member, I know that I’m part of large extended family that includes LSA clients, staff, board and the greater East Harlem community,” said Peter Stonbely, who Co-Chairs the Junior Board with Zia Heller. “It’s an amazing opportunity to feel connected with others in the city and to feel like we’re really making a difference in this neighborhood.”

“Moscow in Manhattan” raised over $10,000 through ticket sales, a raffle and silent auction. The funds raised will be used to support LSA Education and Youth Services, which include after-school tutoring, summer programs and a girls mentoring program.

One of the evening highlights was when Karla, a 12th grade high school student, spoke about her experience in LSA education programs. Karla’s family immigrated to East Harlem from Mexico when she was 5 years old. “I didn’t know a speck of English,” she said. “I didn’t even have friends because of the language barrier. LSA formed a community for me. I was able to learn English and excel in my academics. My mentor, Megan Newman, has exposed to me so many things I would have never thought I would be able to do. She taught me that, no matter what my background and circumstances are, I can always do anything I put my mind to.”

Today, Karla has been accepted to 12 of the 13 colleges to which she applied, thanks to the guidance of her mentor and the LSA Director of Education and Youth Services, Martha Andrade-Dousdebes. Funds raised at Moscow 57 will help LSA continue to support the educational and personal development of children like Karla.

Special thanks to auction donors:

54 Below
Brooke Charlesworth
East River Wines and Spirits
Evelyn’s Kitchen
Harley’s Smokeshack
J. McLaughlin
King’s Carriage House
The Linen Shop
Moscow57
Nocciola Ristorante
Peter Stonbely