Thursday, April 3, 2025
6PM – 10PM
An Evening Celebrating 130 Years of Hope, Strength, and Inspiration
Hosted by Monica Morales of WPIX 11
Located At
The Edison Ballroom
240 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
Contact
Details
The "Journey To 130" Honorees
The “Journey To 130” Honorees
Union Settlement’s “Journey To 130 – Rejuvenate, Refine, Revitalize” gala celebrates our 130 years of unwavering commitment to empowering and uplifting our community. We are excited to share our rich history, highlight our significant achievements, and unveil our vision for our future.
Rev. Dr. Darlene Williams, President & Chief Executive Officer
and Dawn M. Zappetti, Chair, Board of Directors are proud to honor the following individuals at this year’s Gala.
EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Tom Allon
Publisher – City & State NY
Tom Allon receives the Excellence In Leadership Award for his leadership and pioneering work in local neighborhood-based journalism and the New York City publishing industry.
A lifelong New Yorker, Tom Allon has been a leader in local neighborhood-based journalism and the New York City publishing industry for the past 30 years. He is currently the CEO and owner of City and State NY, the most influential political media company in New York State. Before privatizing Manhattan Media in August 2001, Tom was the executive vice president of News Communications, Inc., a public media company that owned 23 newspapers in New York City’s boroughs, Long Island and Washington, D.C. He was involved with the start-up of the successful Capitol Hill daily, The Hill, and helped supervise News Communications’ expansion throughout NYC’s neighborhoods in Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn. A former Journalism and English teacher at Stuyvesant High School, Tom helped create two successful public high schools, Eleanor Roosevelt H.S. on the Upper East Side and Frank McCourt H.S. on the Upper West Side. Tom was the Liberal-backed candidate for Mayor of New York City in 2013.
LEGACY OF SERVICE AWARD
Diana Ayala
Deputy Speaker – NYC Council
Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala receives the Legacy of Service Award for her unwavering and dedicated service to the 8th District in social service agencies and government, focusing on housing, gun violence prevention, and senior services.
Diana Ayala is a dedicated advocate with nearly two decades of experience serving the 8th District in social service agencies and government, focusing on housing, gun violence prevention, and senior services. Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, and raised in New York City, Diana’s early challenges, including navigating public housing and personal loss, shaped her commitment to public service. After earning her associate’s degree in Human Services from Bronx Community College, she served as a senior center director in East Harlem and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. Diana has played a key role in enacting transformative legislation, including reforms to the CityFHEPs program, syringe buy-back initiatives, and comprehensive plans to address the opioid crisis, all while amplifying the voices of her constituents on critical issues like mental health and education.
SOCIAL IMPACT PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Lorraine Cortés-Vazquez
Commissioner – New York City Department for the Aging
Lorraine Cortés-Vazquez receives the Social Impact Partnership Award for her dedication to promoting equity and diversity in older adult services while spearheading the Aging Cabinet to address the challenges faced by older New Yorkers.
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, appointed by NYC Mayor Eric Adams as Commissioner of the Department for the Aging in March 2022, is dedicated to promoting equity and diversity in older adult services while spearheading the innovative Aging Cabinet to unify city efforts in addressing the challenges faced by older New Yorkers. With a robust background that includes serving as Senior Advisor to former Mayor Bill de Blasio and leadership roles at EmblemHealth and AARP, she has consistently championed the needs of multicultural communities and the dignity of older adults. A former New York State Secretary of State and President of the Hispanic Federation, Cortés-Vázquez boasts over 30 years of distinguished experience across the nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors, earning her numerous accolades. She holds degrees from Hunter College and New York University, along with prestigious certifications from Harvard and Columbia University.
NON-PROFIT PARTNER AWARD
Denora Getachew
Chief Executive Officer – DoSomething.org
Denora Getachew receives the Non-Profit Partner Award for founding the largest organization empowering young people to create social change, and mobilizing millions to make an impact in their communities.
Denora Getachew is dedicated to fostering a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. As CEO of DoSomething.org, the largest organization empowering young people to create social change, she mobilizes millions to make an impact in their communities. Under her leadership since 2021, DoSomething.org has engaged over 8 million youth across thousands of campaigns in every U.S. area code and over 189 countries. Previously, Denora was the New York Executive Director of Generation Citizen, Campaign Manager & Legislative Counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, and Policy Director for the NYC Public Advocate. A mother of three, including a teenage son, she is inspired by the young people who are actively demanding change, equity, and justice in this transformative moment.
DISTINGUISHED JOURNALISM AWARD
Monica Morales
Report/Anchor – WPIX 11 News
Monica Morales receives the Distinguished Journalism Award for her powerful activism in journalism and community advocacy.
Monica Morales is a powerful force in journalism and community advocacy, captivating viewers with her high-energy show “Monica Makes It Happen” at 5:45 p.m. With a remarkable track record of visiting over 150 events, fixing 45 homes, and restoring 55 buildings, she has earned accolades for her tireless work in NYC public housing, including a special invitation to the White House in 2018. Committed to uplifting families across the Tri-state area, Morales has hosted more than 90 live Facebook shows featuring influential guests such as the New York City Comptroller and Police Commissioner, delivering impactful results through her “Subsequent Fridays” series. An award-winning journalist, she boasts a National Emmy for Breaking News, five local Emmys, and an Edward R. Murrow Award, reflecting her dedication to excellence in reporting. Recognized for her community service with numerous honors—including the Canon Fredrick Boyd Williams Community Service Award and the Latina Voice of the People Award.
Sponsorship Packages, Tickets/Tables
Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
Union Settlement is proud to celebrate 130 years of dedicated service to East Harlem. Our “Journey to 130” Anniversary Celebration will highlight our longstanding commitment to the community and the life-changing impact we continue to make through our programs. We invite you to partner with us by becoming a sponsor of this landmark event. Your support will enable us to continue empowering the people of East Harlem for years to come.
- 30 Premium VIP Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Tickets – Premier Seating Section
- Exclusive Access to our VIP Reception
- Meet & Greet with Union Settlement Leadership and Board of Directors
- Exclusive Partnership/Marketing Opportunity at the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala
- Pre-Recorded 60-Second Video Acknowledging the value of your partnership with Union Settlement
- Premier Logo Prominently Displayed on Gala Signage and Program
- Signature Recognition at the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala
- Full-page Presenting Sponsor Advertisement in the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Program
- Special Recognition on the Union Settlement Website
- Signature Premium Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala VIP Gift Bag
- 30 Premium Tickets to Union Settlement’s 1st Annual East Harlem 5K Walk/Run
- Special Acknowledgement in the Journey to 130 Gala Invitation – If pledged by December 9, 2024
- 20 Premium VIP Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Tickets – Premier Seating Section
- Exclusive Access to our VIP Reception
- Meet & Greet with Union Settlement Leadership and Board of Director
- Premier Logo Prominently Displayed on the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Signage and Program
- Signature Recognition at the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala
- Full-page Presenting Sponsor Advertisement in the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Program
- Special Recognition on the Union Settlement Website
- 20 Premium Tickets to Union Settlement’s 1st Annual East Harlem 5K Walk/Run
- Special Acknowledgement in Journey to 130 Gala Invitation – If pledged by December 9, 2024
• 10 Premium VIP Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Tickets – Premier Seating Section
• Exclusive Access to our VIP Reception
o Meet & Greet with Union Settlement Leadership and Board of Director
• Premier Logo Prominently Displayed on the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Signage and Program
• Full-page Presenting Sponsor Advertisement in the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Program
• Special Recognition on the Union Settlement Website
• 10 Premium Tickets to Union Settlement’s 1st Annual East Harlem 5K Walk/Run
• Special Acknowledgement in the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Invitation – If pledged by December 9, 2024
- 10 Premium VIP Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Tickets – Premier Seating Section
- Exclusive Access to our VIP Reception
- Meet & Greet with Union Settlement Leadership and Board of Director
- Premier Logo Prominently Displayed on the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Signage and Program
- Half-page Presenting Sponsor Advertisement in the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Program
- Special Recognition on the Union Settlement Website
- Recognition in the Invitation if pledged by December 9, 2024
- 6 Premium VIP Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Tickets
- Exclusive Access to our VIP Reception
- Meet & Greet with Union Settlement Leadership and Board of Director
- Premier Logo Prominently Displayed on the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Signage and Program
- Half-page Presenting Sponsor Advertisement in the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Program
- Special Recognition on the Union Settlement Website
- 10 Reserved Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Tickets
- Premier Logo Prominently Displayed on the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Signage and Program
- Special Recognition on the Union Settlement Website
- 4 Reserved Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Tickets
- Premier Logo Prominently Displayed on the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala Signage and Program
- 1 Event Ticket to the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala – Seating on Main Level
- 1 Event Ticket to the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala – Seating on Main Level
- 1 Event Ticket to the Journey to 130 Anniversary Gala – Seating on Main Level
*Note For Tables of 6 Tickets These are Not Private Tables; Other Guest May be Seated With You
Concert Tickets &
Commemorative Journal Advertisement Packages
Concert Tickets &
Commemorative Journal Advertisement Packages
Celebrate Union Settlement’s historic 130th Anniversary by placing an ad in our exclusive Commemorative Journal, a beautifully designed keepsake that will be distributed to all attendees at our milestone celebration event. The journal offers a unique opportunity to honor our legacy, show your support, and promote your business or organization to a distinguished audience of community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, and local residents.
By purchasing an ad in the journal, you are not only marking this important occasion but also contributing to Union Settlement’s continued work in the East Harlem community. Your message will be seen by hundreds of individuals who share a commitment to strengthening and uplifting the lives of those we serve.
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate Union Settlement’s 130 years of service to the East Harlem community with a special anniversary concert. This exclusive event will feature a live performance from a acclaimed artist, reflecting the vibrant spirit and culture of the neighborhood we’ve served for over a century.
$7,500 “Rejuvenate” Full Page Ad – 4 Tickets Priority Concert Seating
$6,000 “Revitalize” Full Page Ad – 3 Tickets Premium Concert Seating
$5,000 “Refine” Full Page Ad – 2 Tickets Partner Seating
$4,000 Half Page Ad – 1 Ticket General Seating
$3,000 Quarter Page 1 Ticket High Ball Seating
$500 Concert Only 1 Ticket
$3,000 “Rejuvenate, Refine, Revitalize” Full Page – Journal Ad
$2,500 Half Page Journal Ad
$1,500 Quarter Page Journal Ad
$250 Name listing in Journal under “Friends of Union Settlement” Journal Ad
Donate
Donate
If you are unable to make it to the Journey To 130 Anniversary Gala, you can still want to support our fundraising goal by making a donation here.
