The Fiver Children's Foundation is commemorating 25 years of impactful youth development with its annual benefit, highlighting a transformative journey of empowering young people across New York. This milestone event will honor distinguished leaders who have contributed significantly to the organization's mission, with the presentation of two prestigious awards: the Richard Adams Leadership Award and the Thomas and Heather Tucker Visionary Award. Recognized honorees include Eric and Kyuri Weng, Erika Weinberg representing Latham & Watkins LLP, and Fiver's Emeritus Board of Directors. Additionally, Fiver alumnus and Board Member Jonathan Jean-Pierre will receive the Visionary Award, celebrating his extraordinary achievements and commitment to the organization.
Fiver's unique approach involves a comprehensive ten-year commitment to youth from underserved communities, providing mentorship, educational support, and leadership development. Through year-round programming and a transformative summer camp experience, the organization equips young people with critical life skills and opportunities for personal growth. This long-term model represents a significant departure from traditional short-term interventions, creating sustained impact that helps participants build foundations for future success. The organization's methodology demonstrates how extended engagement can address systemic barriers faced by youth in marginalized communities.
Executive Director Christie Ko emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that the 25th Anniversary Benefit represents not just a celebration of past achievements, but a powerful testament to the thousands of lives positively transformed through Fiver's dedicated work. The benefit will occur on June 3rd at 583 Park Avenue, offering an evening dedicated to inspiration, recognition, and philanthropic support. All proceeds will directly fund Fiver's programs, ensuring continued resources and opportunities for young participants. This funding mechanism is crucial for maintaining the organization's intensive programming that requires consistent financial support to sustain its decade-long commitments to individual youth.
Since its founding in 1998, Fiver has made substantial strides in youth development, impacting thousands of lives by providing comprehensive support that extends well beyond traditional mentorship programs. By focusing on long-term engagement, the organization helps young people develop the skills, confidence, and support necessary to pursue their educational and career aspirations. The 25th anniversary celebration underscores the importance of sustained investment in youth development initiatives, particularly for organizations serving communities with limited resources. As Fiver looks to the future, its model offers valuable insights for other nonprofits seeking to create lasting change through extended programming and deep community relationships.
