Boys Town New York

Father Boes and Boys Town New York youth with Jorge Posada, LL Cool J and Laura Posada at the Boys Town New York Building Hope Gala Nov. 8.

New York’s Building Hope Gala Raises Vital Resources, Awareness for Youth
Laura Posada Honored with Commitment to Family Award

More than 350 of New York’s finest came together Nov. 8 showing support for their city’s most severely at-risk youth while celebrating the spirit of family.

Boys Town New York’s Building Hope Gala at Bridgewater’s at South Street Seaport raised vital resources for children and families, and honored Laura Posada, co-founder of the Jorge Posada Foundation, with the Commitment to Family Award. Among the celebrities in attendance were Posada’s husband and New York Yankees all star catcher Jorge Posada,  actor and hip-hop artist L.L. Cool J, and former New York Jets Quarterback Ray Lucas, who emceed the event.

“The Building Hope Gala was such an exciting event,” said Anthony DiLauro, Boys Town New York Executive Director. “We were privileged and honored to spend the evening with so many of our friends and supporters who came together to give hope to New York City's severely at-risk children.  I was amazed at the level of generosity and excitement from such a diverse group of New Yorkers who truly care about children.”

Boys Town New York honored Posada for her work assisting children born with Craniosynostosis, a common physical deformity affecting the skull in newborns, and their families.

“I am very honored and privileged to be the recipient of the Boys Town Commitment to Family Award,” said Posada, whose son Jorge Luis was born with Craniosynostosis in 2000. “I believe that every boy and girl comes with the power to be great and it is truly up to us to guide them into greatness. For 90 years, Boys Town has been doing just that.” 

The elegant evening overlooking the New York Harbor and the Brooklyn Bridge provided many memorable moments. LaQuan, Boys Town New York youth, told the guests how the organization changed his life. After only a year at Boys Town New York, LaQuan overcame difficult circumstances to become an honor student at George Westinghouse High School and an accomplished basketball player.

New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer also showed his support for the organization which helps save children and heal families. Lucas read a letter from the Governor and his wife, Hilda, acknowledging Boys Town New York’s success at changing children’s lives. 

A dinner presentation, as well as silent and live auctions with autographed sports memorabilia from Jorge Posada and his New York Yankee teammates entertained guests throughout the evening.

 “We hope that the momentum continues and grows so that we will be in a position to help more children to become productive members of society,” said DiLauro. “I want to thank everyone who helped make this event a success, from the employees, Board members, donors, city and state government officials, and most importantly, all of the children who live at Boys Town.”