Jarl Frijs-Madsen Ambassador, Consul General of Denmark in New York, brings greetings at Riis Settlement’s 125th Anniversary Gala. Photo: Tina Buckman
When Danish photojournalist and social reformer Jacob A. Riis collaborated with an organization of Episcopalian church women called the King’s Daughters Settlement House in 1890 to help improve conditions among the poor on the lower east side of Manhattan, he could never have foreseen the lasting impact his work would have on low-income New York families. Fast forward to today and that same settlement house, which now bears his name and is based in Long Island City, Queens, is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
On November 6th, 2014, Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement held its second gala to commemorate this significant anniversary year and honor our partners and supporters. The event, held at the Museum of the City of New York, was a great success, raising a record $129,000 to help support and expand the continuum of services Riis Settlement provides for low-income immigrants, families, seniors, and youth in greater Western Queens.
From left: Honoree Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, Co-Host Dr. Max Gomez, Honoree Christine Sherwood, Riis Settlement Executive Director Christopher Hanway, Honoree William T. Newlin, Co-Host Malena Belafonte and Jarl Frijs-Madsen Ambassador, Consul General of Denmark in New York at Riis Settlement’s 125th Anniversary Gala. Photo: Tina Buckman
Hosted by Dr. Max Gomez of CBS and co-hosted by international model Malena Belafonte, the gala honored three people who have been instrumental to Riis Settlement’s success: William T. Newlin, former Executive Director of Riis Settlement for 24 years; the Honorable Catherine Nolan, Assemblywoman, 37th District; and Christine Sherwood, Managing Director, Citi Cards.
Guests were treated to the sounds and tastes of greater Western Queens with dinner catered by Bartleby & Sage and music provided by Queens’ own Astoria Big Band. They also had exclusive access to the museum’s wonderful Activist New York exhibition. Considering we were honoring the legacy of one of New York’s earliest social reformers, an exhibition which explores the drama of social activism in New York City from the 17th century right up to the present could not have been more apt.
Denmark, the native land of Jacob A. Riis, was well-represented. Patron of Riis Settlement, HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark, sent a congratulatory letter, and Ambassador Jarl Frijs-Madsen, Consul General of Denmark in New York and his wife were in attendance. In addition, Riis Settlement is proud to count honoree Citi Cards along with TransCanada, BlackRock and Ernst & Young among its major corporate sponsors and supporters.
Riis Academy Program Director Iftikhar Mahmoud, Co-Host Malena Belafonte and Honoree William T. Newlin, former Riis Settlement Executive Director, at Riis Settlement’s 125th Anniversary Gala. Photo: Tina Buckman
Along with stories highlighting the close relationship Mr. Newlin and Assemblywoman Nolan cultivated over the course of their careers, our very own Iftikhar Mahmud testified to the positive influence of Riis Settlement on his life, from his beginnings as a young participant in its after-school programs to his present position as Program Director of Riis Academy’s PS 166 campus. The audience also got to hear the story of Martha, a participant in our Immigrant Services program who shared her story of coming to this country to escape domestic violence, and how Riis Settlement helped her build a new life for herself and her son.
The gala marked the culmination of a fantastic year for Riis Settlement and as we near the end of 2014 we want to express our gratitude to all those who helped make it so. Now, we simply look forward to the next 125 years!
