Breakthrough New York raises more than $900,000 at annual gala

Education nonprofit Breakthrough New York raised more than $900,000—an event record—at its seventh annual Gala on Tuesday, April 30, while honoring William E. Clark and saluting Michael C. Dawley, both leaders in finance, for their commitment and enthusiasm in supporting student success.

Gala Chairs Maria Hackley, Kim Johns, and Cathy Aquila welcomed a crowd of more than 350 people to the event held at 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan. Breakthrough New York celebrated 20 years of success in transforming the lives of talented kids from low-income backgrounds by providing educational support from middle school through college and into careers.

“We are grateful to everyone who came tonight for believing in the transformative power of education and helping to make this our most successful gala ever,” said Beth Onofry, Executive Director of Breakthrough New York. “At a time when access to our city’s best high schools and the country’s best colleges is limited to a select few, our work is more critical than ever.”

Clark is Vice Chairman of Global Corporate Banking at J.P. Morgan, and Dawley is chairman of the National Futures Association (NFA), chairman of the Institute for Financial Markets (IFM), a board member of the Futures Industry Association (FIA), and president of Bluefin Partners.

“Breakthrough New York’s mission is more pertinent today than ever,” Clark said. “What this organization really does is transform lives, helping young people achieve the success they and their families have worked so hard to achieve. Without Breakthrough and organizations like it, we risk never developing the talent that can change the world and make a real difference to society in the future.”

Gala attendees enjoyed dinner and a live auction, and competed with students in an engaging trivia competition, “Are You Smarter Than a Breakthrough Student?”

Breakthrough New York strives to create leaders who break the cycle of poverty in their families and effect positive change in their communities. The organization provides comprehensive support from middle school through college and into careers, including summer and afterschool academic programming, mentoring, test prep, and high school and college application guidance.

In 2018, all of the program’s rising 9th grade students matriculated to college prep high schools and 100% of its graduating seniors matriculated to four-year colleges. With three program sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, Breakthrough New York draws students from across New York City.

Breakthrough New York was founded as Summerbridge at The Town School in 1999 and has since expanded in size and scope, now serving more than 550 students and providing a full 10 years of support for every student it serves.