The Lower Eastside Girls Club celebrated its milestone 30th Anniversary Gala at Webster Hall, raising more than $700,000 in support of the organization’s mission to empower young women and gender-expansive youth through free programming in the arts, sciences, leadership, wellness, and career development.

The evening brought together community leaders, creatives, philanthropists, alumni, and staff from all three decades, and supporters to honor Actress, Writer, Director, Producer, and Advocate Natasha Lyonne; Donna Dozier Gordon, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at H&M Americas; and longtime community leader and Girls Club staff member Miladys Ramirez for their lasting contributions to advocacy, mentorship, and community impact.

During the program, the organization received a special proclamation from New York City Council Member Harvey Epstein, recognizing the Girls Club’s three decades of transformative work serving New York City youth and families. Speaker of the New York City Council, Julie Menin, gave an empowering speech, highlighting the power of raising young leaders. 

The evening also included the announcement of a $50,000 grant from Colin Kaepernick and Nessa’s Know Your Rights Camp in support of the organization’s continued programming and community initiatives.

Guests enjoyed a celebratory after-party soundtracked by legendary DJ Stretch Armstrong.

The gala was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor H&M; Possibility Sponsors J.Crew, Gap, Two Trees, and Maybelline; Celebration Sponsors Plentea Matcha, La Ligne, and Tito’s; In-Kind Sponsors POPUPFLORIST and Sylvain.

Image credit: Julia D'Ambola/BFA