2025 Benefit for NYC Youth
Together We Thrive
2025 Benefit for NYC Youth
Supporting The Door and Broome Street Academy
Get ready for an unforgettable night! This is your chance to directly champion the young people served by The Door and Broome Street Academy. Join us for an evening filled with powerful testimonials from our youth and staff, celebrate alongside dedicated advocates and honorees, and bid on exclusive luxury auction items. With gourmet food and wine to savor, every moment supports our vital mission: providing comprehensive, life-changing services to teens and young adults in New York City. Be part of the change—secure your spot and make an impact!
Event Details
Supporting The Door and Broome Street Academy
Wednesday, October 15, Gotham Hall, NYC
More information to follow
Become A Sponsor Today
Honoring Javier Muñoz
Join us in honoring Actor and Activist Javier Muñoz at our Benefit for NYC Youth on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Javier is best known for starring and co-creating the role of "Alexander Hamilton'' as part of the original cast of HAMILTON on Broadway. He got his break starring as “Usnavi” in IN THE HEIGHTS on Broadway and starred in the world premiere adaptation of the Emmy-winning series, Schmigadoon. In 2023, Javier delivered the keynote address at Broome Street Academy’s graduation ceremony, inspiring our graduates to embrace their voices and chase their dreams.
Honoring Pinterest
Join us in honoring our partner, Pinterest at our Benefit for NYC Youth on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Hosted by Bashel Lewis
This year's benefit will be hosted by content creator and host of #JOY, Bashel Lewis. From his early blog, COPE FASHION, to his web series Bashel The Zillennial, he has built a vibrant community at the intersection of culture, style, and storytelling. His work has been featured in Forbes, ADWEEK, Variety, and Issa Rae’s Hoorae Media. Whether on stage or behind the camera, Bashel is all about joy, culture, and showing up as your full, authentic self.
About The Door and Broome Street Academy
For teens and young adults navigating life, there’s one door in New York City that is always open. For over 50 years, The Door has been a trusted place for young people between 12 and 24. All are welcome as they are, to be themselves, address challenges, and access services when and how they need them. With our roots in the heart of New York City and a presence across the boroughs, The Door offers comprehensive programs and services including mental health counseling, health and nutrition assistance, legal services, housing support, arts, education, and career guidance. At The Door, everything is free and everyone is welcome.
In addition to our core services, we provide opportunities for academic achievement and scholarship through Broome Street Academy, a high-impact public charter school co-located within The Door.
Broome Street Academy (BSA) is a high-impact SUNY-authorized public charter high school co-located within The Door. Serving 300 students per year from across all five boroughs, we set aside 50% of the seats in our incoming 9th-grade class for students transitionally housed or in foster care.
Past Benefits
Highlights from our 2024 fall benefit
The Door & Broome Street Academy CEO, Kelsey Louie, shared his remarks at the Our City, Our Stories, our 2024 fall benefit
Paddle raising duringOur City, Our Stories, our 2024 fall benefit
MOVE NYC dance performance at the 2023 fall benefit
Honoree Mara Brock Akil sharing her remarks during the 2023 fall benefit
Host Committee
Hollis Forbes & Bethany Menzies, Co-Chairs • April Barton's Suite 303 • Cathy & Frank Aquila • Lauren Blum & C. William Merten • Maya Browne & Laurence Pels • Blake Devillier & Jerad Gardemal • Stephanie Durden Barfield & Jon Barfield • Benjamin Felt & Carla Milan • Leslie Fielden & Jeff Seidel • Hollis & Jim Forbes • Forbes Functions | Cameron Forbes • Cristin Frodella • Christine & Patrick Hall • Barbara Hill & David Zurndorfer • Jeff & Brittany Katzin • Will Lee & Suejin Yang • Bashel Lewis • The Ready Foundation | Bethany & Euan Menzies • Abra Metz-Dworkin & Evan Gogel • Hunter Philbrick & Clementine Drackett • Leah & Clayton Pope • Swati Rao & William Murdock • Brian & Lauren Ross • Elaine Schott • Alixx Schottland & Matthew Pomerantz • Ann Sheehan • Scott & Katie Singer • Kelly Stevens & Peter Lupoff • Tracie Martyn Beauty NYC • Adela Woliansky & William W. McFadden • Alexandra C. Wood
Our Sponsors
Outstanding Advocate Sponsor
Cathy Aquila
Benjamin Felt & Carla Milan
Hollis and Jim Forbes
The Ready Foundation | Bethany and Euan Menzies
Hunter Philbrick
Kelly Stevens
David Zurndorfer
Daring Dreamer
Maya Browne and Laurence Pels
SVAM International Inc.
Steadfast Partner
Stephanie Durden Barfield
Jeff and Brittany Katzin
Fearless Friend
Leslie Fielden and Jeff Seide