Union Settlement Celebrates Over 120 Years Of Service To East Harlem At Annual Solutions Benefit Fundraiser
John Turturro will emcee event on April 19, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 19, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT
SARA STUART: 212-828-6024
New York, NY – Union Settlement Association, East Harlem’s oldest and largest social service provider, tonight will celebrate over 120 years of service in East Harlem at its annual Solutions Benefit fundraising dinner at Guastavino’s in Manhattan. At the event, Union Settlement will honor Eli Gross, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley, Michael T. Pugh, President & CEO, Carver Federal Savings Bank, along with law firm partner Debevoise & Plimpton and corporate partner AT&T.
Each year the Solutions Benefit brings together hundreds of New York City’s business, civic, and community leaders, elected officials, and honored guests to support Union Settlement’s mission and service to the East Harlem community. Actor John Turturro will serve as master of ceremonies. This year’s dinner will shine a spotlight on East Harlem’s vibrant cultural diversity and will feature music from local East Harlem band Annette A. Aguilar and the Stringbeans Trio.
“We’re proud to serve a community as vital and culturally diverse as East Harlem – home to people of many different cultures, languages, and backgrounds,” said David Nocenti, Executive Director of Union Settlement. “For over 120 years, Union Settlement has provided a range of services to best serve the needs of this unique and vibrant community, and we are delighted to be honoring two important individuals this evening who are leaders in their fields and exemplify dedication to serving communities in need across New York City.”
The Solutions Benefit is the time and place to recognize Union Settlement’s exemplary programs which enable children, adults and seniors to find solutions to the challenges they face and to build better lives. For example, Union Settlement offers the following facts and solutions to consider:
• FACT: 26% of East Harlem residents are foreign born and 20% do not speak English “very well.”
• SOLUTION: Innovative literacy programs for at risk children in nine local schools and free English classes for adults help new immigrant families build successful lives.
• FACT: More than 18% of juvenile arrests in Manhattan take place in East Harlem, although the neighborhood represents only 7% of the borough’s population.
• SOLUTION: Union Settlement offers evening and weekend programming to hundreds of East Harlem youth, giving them a safe and supportive place to engage in academic, athletic and social activities.
The Solutions Benefit fundraising dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 6:30 pm at Guastavino’s in Manhattan (409 East 59th Street between First and York Avenues).
Honoring NYC Leaders in Public Service
Union Settlement will honor two inspiring and talented leaders: Eli Gross and Michael T. Pugh. Their vital contributions to the fields of finance and community development bring strength and vitality to New York City.
Eli Gross is a Managing Director and head of the Global Transportation & Infrastructure Group in the Investment Banking Department of Morgan Stanley. He is responsible for covering the airline, railroad, logistics, shipping, trucking, travel and security industries. Mr. Gross joined Morgan Stanley in 1998 as an Associate in the Mergers & Acquisitions Department. Eli Gross joined the Board of Directors of Union Settlement twelve years ago and has served as Vice Chair for eight years. His leadership has helped to successfully guide the organization through challenging and changing times.
Michael Pugh is President and Chief Executive Officer of Carver Federal Savings Bank, one of the nation’s largest African- and Caribbean-American managed banks. Founded in Harlem in 1948, Carver is dedicated to promoting community development and financial inclusion in the underserved communities of New York City. The bank reinvests more than 80 percent of its deposit base back into these communities. Before joining Carver in August 2012, Mr. Pugh held executive roles at Capital One and Citizens Financial Group. Michael Pugh serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and chairs the board of the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development.
The support of Union Settlement’s benefactors enables the organization to effect real change. Union Settlement gratefully acknowledges the support of Solutions Benefit Platinum Sponsor, Morgan Stanley, Gold Sponsor, Debevoise & Plimpton and Silver Sponsor, Kekst.
About Union Settlement Association
Union Settlement Association is an on-the-ground resource for East Harlem residents of all ages, and a passionate advocate for the needs of underserved communities. Since opening our doors in 1895, we have brought education, wellness and community-building programs to our neighborhood, empowering New Yorkers with opportunities to better their lives. More than 450 staff work here, and our services impact 10,000 people in our community every year. By helping our neighbors realize their goals, we build the vitality and success of East Harlem. Visit www.unionsettlement.org to learn more.
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