Surrounded by stunning views of the Hudson River, celebrities and guests joined together to help raise awareness of the education needs and social challenges of underprivileged children in Brooklyn communities as well as to mark the thirtieth anniversary of Children of the City (COC). Hosted at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City by Emmy-Award winning anchor Christine Johnson of WCBS-TV, the evening featured silent and live auctions and an exquisite dinner by renowned chef Abigail Kirsh.
Also in attendance were Anthony Mackie (best known for his award winning role in The Hurt Locker), Dr. Ruth Westheimer (renowned therapist), Bryan Batt (two-time Screen Actors Guild Award winner in AMC’s Mad Men), Dylan Walsh (Nip Tuck), Selita Ebanks (Former Victoria’s Secret Model and actress), Kaitlin Monte (Miss New York) and Eric Kelly (Olympic Boxer).
Member of the Board of Directors of Children of the City Vickie Del Toro was honored by the organization for her dedication to improving the lives of children and families in the community. In addition, Proclamations from Senator Marty Golden, Senator Eric Adams and Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez were bestowed on Joyce Mattera, Founder and Executive Director, for her tireless efforts to strengthen the community through education and outreach.
“This event is a fantastic occasion to invite New Yorkers to partner with us to address the daily challenges these children have to face” said Joyce Mattera, the dynamic Founder and President of Brooklyn-based Children of the City, who has dedicated her life to helping disadvantaged and neglected children. “In a community with a 48% drop out rate and 1 out of 4 families living in abject poverty, Children of the City is dedicated to changing the culture of poverty,” said Mattera.
