Annual Gala
Showing Thanks
A signature evening dedicated to honoring the leaders, partners, and community members who make our work possible.
About the Event
Showing Thanks is our Annual Gala, a signature evening dedicated to honoring the leaders, partners, and community members who make our work possible. We would not be where we are today without their continued commitment, belief, and investment in our mission.
Through this event, we recognize those who have helped advance youth economic empowerment, strengthen families, and expand access to opportunity across the communities we serve.
The evening brings together public leaders, corporate partners, and community champions for a powerful night of recognition, reflection, and renewed commitment. Featuring inspiring youth stories, an awards program, and opportunities to invest, Showing Thanks celebrates our collective impact and fuels the work ahead.
Event Recap
Watch highlights from our 2025 Showing Thanks Gala
10-Year Anniversary, Inaugural Gala
2025 Honorees
We were proud to honor the following leaders at our inaugural gala on November 21, 2025 at Leonard's Palazzo, Great Neck, NY.
Youthpreneur Legacy Award
Congressman Gregory Meeks
U.S. House of Representatives
Showing Hearts Champion Award
Senator Leroy Comrie, Jr.
New York State Senate
Founders' Guardian Award
City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams
New York City Council
Youthpreneur Visionary Award
Michelle Stoddart
SVP Community Development, Resorts World New York City
Community Builder Award
Susana Sandoval
Senior Director of Community & Government Affairs, First American
Community Impact Award
Yovan S. Collado, Esq
Director of Community Relations, CCA Metro
Heart of Service Award
Jennifer Isaac
Evangel Temple Ministries
Heart for the Community Award
Sgt. Khadija Faison
NYPD Queens South Community Affairs Section
Community Catalyst Award
Ff. Regina Wilson
FDNY
Youthpreneur Trailblazer Award
Leeana Lucas
Youthpreneur Winner '21
Youthpreneur Program Participant Highlight
Linda Derry
Youthpreneur Winner '22
Nonprofit Coworking Community Highlight
Rasheedat Ajala
Founder, For The Better Inc
Special Guests
We were honored to welcome these distinguished guests who joined us to celebrate our community’s impact.
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman
New York State Assembly
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages
New York State Assembly
Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson
New York State Assembly
Assemblymember Clyde Vanel
New York State Assembly
City Council Member Nantasha Williams
New York City Council
City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers
New York City Council
Representatives from Gov. Kathy Hochul
Office of the Governor of New York
Event Gallery
Be Part of the Evening
Your sponsorship doesn’t just fund a gala. It fuels first jobs, college dreams, and families finding their footing. Join us in turning gratitude into opportunity.