The 14th Street Y hosted its 2019 Purim Gala at Cipriani 25 Broadway, New York City, raising more than ever before-over $375,000 and counting. The 14th Street Y honored the Union Square Partnership and its Executive Director, Jennifer Falk, as the recipient of the 14th Street Y Community Builder Award.
The 14th Street Y’s Community Builder Award recognizes champions who go above and beyond to cultivate and strengthen their communities, and in turn inspire others-individuals, organizations, and local businesses-to do the same. The 14th Street Y could not think of a better recipient for its first Community Builder Award than the Union Square Partnership and its Executive Director Jennifer Falk.
“We were thrilled to recognize the Union Square Partnership and Executive Director Jennifer Falk as leaders and partners in serving this diverse community,” said Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein, executive director of the 14th Street Y. “We celebrate Purim with gifts, and the many gifts shared last night will ensure that the 14th Street Y can grow it’s highly sought after programs and support real and meaningful relationships within our community.”
Proceeds from the Gala help to advance the 14th Street Y’s mission as a hub of creativity, community programming, and Jewish culture in downtown Manhattan, providing scholarships, developing enrichment programs, and enhancing the lives of more than 26,000 people who walk through the doors each year.
An incredible show of support from the community, nearly 350 attendees gathered for cocktails, dinner, and entertainment as the 14th Street Y honored the Union Square Partnership and its Executive Director Jennifer Falk. The Gala was held at Cipriani 25 Broadway, NYC. In keeping with the time-honored Purim tradition of masquerade, guests were invited to indulge in wearing Purim-inspired masks and accessories.
“On behalf of the entire Union Square Partnership network of neighborhood partners, we are honored to receive the inaugural Community Builder Award from the 14th Street Y, an organization that sets the standard for true community building, ” Falk said. “While much has been accomplished, there is more to be done. We are excited to partner with the 14th Street Y as they chart a course to the development of a new and improved facility. We also look forward to our continued work to bring the community together in a collaborative effort to revitalize the 14th Street-Union Square area.”
The community was invited for a decadent evening in celebration of all things Purim. Masks and revelry abounded from the moment guests entered the Gala and were greeted with a champagne toast served from above by a cirque-style aerial artist. A cocktail hour with scintillating music and a photo booth where guests can don many disguises was followed by a sumptuous dinner and a proper Purim spiel hosted by Artist Fellows from the 14th Street Y’s flagship artistic program, LABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture. Groggers spun and wine was poured as attendees were reminded this holiday celebrates community, giving back to our neighbors and, of course, feasting.
