Our recent 50th Anniversary Fall Gala, hosted by comedian Chuck Nice, brought together friends and supporters for an extraordinary night celebrating the amazing work of The Door and Broome Street Academy.
The evening began with an energetic dance performance from our partners at MoveNYC, followed by a moving video about the safe haven for healing and growth The Door provides, featuring early Door member and former youth leader Emmitta Lewis, along with Irene Seeland, one of The Door founders.
There was a special opportunity to spend time with Melody and Zulaki, two current Door Youth Council leaders.
Melody is an inspiring young woman who has been forever changed by the inclusive community she found at The Door, which helped her “build that same sense of home, safety, and balance—inside of myself.“
Zulaki, a rapper who is also studying psychology in college, reflected on how the Door is “an extension of my creative freedom,” a caring environment that “has brought out the wisdom and love within me,” enabling him to believe her “can help others reach for that same healing,”
CityMD SVP of Operations Navienne Dunkley accepted the 2022 Change Maker Award on behalf of CityMD, and noted that they are “deeply aligned with The Door in our desire to continue to grow and serve even more New Yorkers in need of quality, thoughtful health care.”
Attendees also heard two Door youth performers, Amanda and Orissa, sing Elton John’s “Love Song”—a definite highlight of the evening recreating a tradition from the earliest days of The Door! (For more on that tradition, check out the short video below of reflections from Door co-founders and past staff and youth members.)
As CEO Kelsey Louie said at the Gala, as the crises that NYC youth experience have become more complex, The Door has expanded and refined its vision. We see clearly the challenges of the young people who enter our doors every day, and we are prepared to meet their ever-changing needs.
If you were not able to join us, we hope to see you at a future event. Until then, please enjoy this online album of more beautiful photos from the night.
We are so proud of the accomplishments of these last 50 years—and yet much work is left to do. If you missed the opportunity to give, consider taking a moment to make a difference today and ensure The Door and Broome Street Academy continue to provide high-quality programs for another 50 years:
