Thank you to everyone who supported GiGi’s NYC 2023 Annual Gala. Your generosity keeps our programs going strong so that people with Down syndrome can achieve more than ever thought possible.
268 guests joined us at the event as w e celebrated the many achievements of the GiGi’s NYC community, and welcomed THE NEXT DECADE to create opportunities, achieve success and inspire all.
CBS2 News Anchor Chris Wragge hosted the event with style and flair. His passion for our mission and quick wit kept our guests engaged. Our honorees, Ruth Erickson and Brian Lichtenstein, shared their personal stories and committed to continue their exemplary work on behalf of those with Down syndrome. We are very fortunate to have Ruth, Brian, and Chris in our corner.
Board Co-Presidents Jane Providenti and Yamira Siu shared plans to meet the urgent needs of our young adults in THE NEXT DECADE. Co-Founders Tracy Nixon and Debbie Morris presented our Volunteer Champion awards, and remembered the members of our community we lost this year with a touching memorial.
GiGi’s NYC Community Chorus always steals the show at the Gala, and this year was no exception. Their three musical performances had guests singing along and enjoying our very talented participants.
Auctioneer LJ Ganser kept the live auction moving and the audience bidding with his usual good humor. Newly elected GiGi’s NYC Ambassador Troy Providenti along with Megan Moore, Special Educator of Adult Programs, introduced the Fund A Need with details about GiGi’s NYC Career Development Programs. The audience responded immediately with donations totaling $75k, a new record, raised for these critical programs.
A Special Thank You To Past Sponsors
The Billig Family
Denis Xhari - DK Construction One Corp
Sandy Herzfeld - Guardian Service Industries
Maximilian, Mireya & Sebastian Weise
David Kotler
Randall & Andrea Nixon
Joyce Gottbetter
Jay Eisenhofer
Dede McMahon
Justine Stamen Arrillaga & John Arrillaga
Michael & Melot Lorch
Andrew & Debbie Morris
Eric & Becky Fogarty
Tracy Nixon
Adam Hait
Benno Ansbacher
Ruth Erickson
and Paul Goularte
Matt & Lauren Fogarty
The Balla Family
David & Lauren Mazzullo
We hope you enjoy photos and videos from our past Galas below.
2018 "i have a Voice" Gala